WCO Urges Global Trade Resilience at BASC Congress

WCO Urges Global Trade Resilience at BASC Congress

The WCO Deputy Secretary General highlighted the importance of international trade resilience at the 10th World BASC Congress. He presented the WCO's work in standardizing customs procedures, promoting international cooperation, and building capacity, with specific mention of the SAFE Framework and its positive impact on AEO programs. The WCO will continue to collaborate with stakeholders to address international trade challenges and promote global economic prosperity. The speech underscored the critical role of customs in ensuring secure and efficient global supply chains.

Comoros Customs Adopts Harmonized System to Boost Trade

Comoros Customs Adopts Harmonized System to Boost Trade

Comoros Customs is actively preparing for the early application of the Harmonized System Convention. Through capacity-building programs funded by the African Development Bank, Customs officers are enhancing their understanding and application of the latest HS. This initiative aims to simplify customs procedures, improve trade efficiency, promote trade facilitation, and boost Comoros' international competitiveness. Support from COMESA experts will ensure the smooth integration of the HS into the customs system, laying the foundation for Comoros' integration into the global trading system.

Seychelles Customs Officials Enhance Valuation Skills in WCO Training

Seychelles Customs Officials Enhance Valuation Skills in WCO Training

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a customs valuation training in Seychelles to enhance the practical skills of the country's customs officers. The training focused on the core principles of the WTO Agreement on Customs Valuation, combining theoretical knowledge with practical exercises. This initiative is part of the WCO's capacity building project, aimed at assisting developing countries in improving customs administration, promoting trade facilitation, and increasing revenue collection. Accurate customs valuation is crucial for ensuring revenue integrity and maintaining fair trade practices.

Guatemala Boosts Trade Compliance with Customs Valuation Training

Guatemala Boosts Trade Compliance with Customs Valuation Training

The Guatemala National Workshop on Customs Valuation aims to improve customs valuation practices and promote trade compliance and efficiency. The workshop covers topics such as the interpretation of the WTO Valuation Agreement, Guatemalan customs regulations, practical valuation operations, risk management, and dispute resolution. Through knowledge sharing and capacity building, it helps Guatemala integrate into the global trading system. The workshop seeks to strengthen Guatemala's ability to accurately value goods, facilitate legitimate trade, and prevent revenue loss, contributing to its economic development.

WCO Package Enhances Global Trade Competitiveness

WCO Package Enhances Global Trade Competitiveness

The World Customs Organization's Economic Competitiveness Package (ECP), launched in 2012, has made significant progress in enhancing global trade efficiency and promoting sustainable economic development. Through awareness-raising, tool promotion, best practice collection, and new tool development, the ECP is steadily advancing. It contributes to building a more open, efficient, and secure global trading environment. The ECP's multi-faceted approach ensures comprehensive support for customs administrations worldwide in their efforts to boost economic competitiveness through streamlined trade procedures and enhanced collaboration.

Bolivia Customs Joins Global Trade Facilitation Initiative

Bolivia Customs Joins Global Trade Facilitation Initiative

Bolivian Customs successfully held a high-level leadership and management development workshop under the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme. This workshop aimed to enhance the leadership capabilities of the Bolivian Customs senior management team to better address future strategic challenges. Through team building, leadership development, and negotiation skills training, team cohesion was strengthened, laying the foundation for the future development of Bolivian Customs. The program focused on empowering leaders to navigate complex trade environments and foster efficient customs operations.

Colombia Boosts Customs Efficiency With WCO Trade Program

Colombia Boosts Customs Efficiency With WCO Trade Program

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Colombian Tax and Customs Administration (DIAN) are strengthening cooperation through the Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP). This initiative aims to enhance Colombian Customs' capabilities in areas such as risk management and post-clearance audit. Funded by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), the project provides capacity building support to help Colombian Customs achieve its strategic objectives. Ultimately, it contributes to trade facilitation and economic development in Colombia by improving customs efficiency and effectiveness.

Malawi Customs Strengthened Against Illegal Wildlife Trade

Malawi Customs Strengthened Against Illegal Wildlife Trade

The WCO's INAMA project, funded by GIZ, effectively enhanced the Malawi Revenue Authority's risk management capabilities in combating illegal wildlife trade. This was achieved through diagnostic assessments, practical training, risk profile development, and capacity building. The project emphasizes long-term sustainability alongside short-term impact, providing valuable experience and a model for other countries seeking to strengthen their customs enforcement efforts against wildlife trafficking. Its holistic approach ensures lasting improvements in identifying and mitigating risks related to this illicit trade.

Eswatini Overhauls HR to Improve Trade Facilitation

Eswatini Overhauls HR to Improve Trade Facilitation

Eswatini is addressing trade facilitation challenges by reforming its human resource management system. With WCO support, the SRA conducted a 'People Development Diagnostic' to assess capacity gaps and committed to adopting competency-based management. By building competency models, optimizing training programs, improving performance management, and planning career development, Eswatini aims to enhance customs efficiency and promote economic development. This initiative serves as a valuable example for other developing countries seeking to modernize their customs operations and leverage human capital for improved trade outcomes.

Customs Agencies Enhance Efficiency Via SECOWCO Partnership

Customs Agencies Enhance Efficiency Via SECOWCO Partnership

The SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) aims to improve customs and tax administration in developing countries. Through training courses and capacity building initiatives, the GTFP helps managers master the latest management concepts and techniques to promote trade facilitation and support economic development. The program has supported customs and tax officials in numerous countries to enhance their capabilities, contributing to a more open and prosperous international trading system. This includes providing resources and expertise to modernize procedures and improve efficiency.