Qingdaoalmaty Sea Route Boosts Silk Road Trade Efficiency

Qingdaoalmaty Sea Route Boosts Silk Road Trade Efficiency

The Qingdao-Almaty sea route offers a cost-effective and high-capacity transportation option for Silk Road travelers and traders. This article analyzes the pricing and transit times of this route, while also detailing essential considerations for cargo packaging, document preparation, and customs procedures. It provides a comprehensive guide for readers interested in utilizing this maritime connection for trade between China and Central Asia, highlighting its potential to facilitate increased commerce along the historic Silk Road.

02/02/2026 Logistics
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WCO JICA Boost Customs Revenue in Pacific Islands

WCO JICA Boost Customs Revenue in Pacific Islands

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), launched the Pacific Islands Customs "Professional Mentoring Framework" (PMF) to enhance customs modernization in the region. A preparatory meeting identified customs valuation and commodity classification as priority areas. The project's success hinges on accurate needs assessments, practical training content, diverse training methods, scientific impact evaluation, and ensuring sustainability. The PMF aims to build capacity and improve tax administration through effective mentorship and targeted training programs.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Senegal Customs Adopts HR Modernization Under West Africa Project

Senegal Customs Adopts HR Modernization Under West Africa Project

Funded by the Swedish government, the World Customs Organization (WCO) supported the modernization of human resources management in Senegalese Customs through the West Africa Customs Administration Modernization Project. The project focused on building a competency-based human resources management system. Key tools such as job classifications, competency models, and job descriptions were developed to improve Senegalese Customs' management efficiency and international competitiveness. The initiative aims to strengthen the customs administration's capacity and contribute to regional economic development.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Ivory Coast Customs Modernizes Operations with ROCB Assistance

Ivory Coast Customs Modernizes Operations with ROCB Assistance

The West and Central Africa Capacity Building Office has assisted Côte d'Ivoire Customs in making progress in human resources and project management. By developing a job directory, competency framework, and job descriptions, and by introducing project cycle management and results-based management principles, it has laid the foundation for the modernization of Côte d'Ivoire Customs. The two parties will continue to collaborate to refine relevant tools and methods and develop action plans to consolidate the achievements made.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Colombia Boosts Customs Efficiency with WCO SECO Backing

Colombia Boosts Customs Efficiency with WCO SECO Backing

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through its Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP), conducted a strategic planning and project management workshop for the Colombian Tax and Customs Authority (DIAN) to enhance its institutional capacity. The workshop assisted DIAN in building a results-based management system, designing a future development model for Customs, and mastering effective coordination tools. This laid a solid foundation for DIAN's Customs reform efforts, enabling more efficient and effective operations and contributing to increased trade facilitation.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Zambia Boosts Trade Efficiency with Wcobacked AEO Program

Zambia Boosts Trade Efficiency with Wcobacked AEO Program

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supports the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) in establishing an internationally compliant Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program. This initiative aims to enhance trade facilitation, strengthen supply chain security, and ultimately achieve mutual recognition agreements with neighboring countries, promoting regional trade development. The support involves capacity building and study visits. This collaboration is part of the UK's HMRC's 'Accelerating Trade Facilitation' program, designed to assist Zambia in meeting international standards and improving its overall trade environment.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Launches Gender Equality Program for Frenchspeaking Regions

WCO Launches Gender Equality Program for Frenchspeaking Regions

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a French-speaking “Training of Trainers” workshop to enhance gender equality capacity among its members, aiming to establish a pool of recognized experts in the field. The workshop focused on WCO gender equality tools, such as the GEOAT, and blended learning packages, emphasizing the importance of diagnostics, frameworks, and monitoring & evaluation. The WCO looks forward to collaborating with the newly trained experts to promote gender equality within customs systems globally.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCOWACAM Project Modernizes Ghana Customs Operations

WCOWACAM Project Modernizes Ghana Customs Operations

An assessment by the World Customs Organization (WCO) of its WCO-WACAM project supporting the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) revealed significant progress in stakeholder engagement, human resource management, and strategic management. The WCO has proposed further collaboration aimed at strengthening customs administration in Ghana, promoting trade facilitation, and fostering economic development. The project's impact highlights the importance of targeted capacity building initiatives in achieving customs modernization goals and contributing to broader economic growth within the region.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Serbia Boosts Customs Modernization with WCO Support

Serbia Boosts Customs Modernization with WCO Support

With the support of the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Customs Cooperation Fund Germany (CCF Germany), Serbian Customs held a workshop on customs laboratory modernization and Harmonized System (HS) tariff management. By enhancing laboratory analysis capabilities, optimizing HS code application, and strengthening capacity building, Serbian Customs aims to promote trade facilitation, improve revenue collection, and combat smuggling, ultimately boosting its international competitiveness. This initiative reflects Serbia's commitment to aligning with international standards and improving its customs operations.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Evaluates Ugandas CITES Enforcement Capabilities

WCO Evaluates Ugandas CITES Enforcement Capabilities

In 2017, the World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a diagnostic assessment of the Uganda Revenue Authority's capacity to enforce the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The assessment utilized an institutional assessment tool, combined with field visits and interviews, aiming to enhance Uganda Customs' ability to combat illegal wildlife trade. The assessment findings will guide future cooperation between the WCO and the Uganda Revenue Authority, contributing to global biodiversity conservation efforts.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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