Bosnia Advances Trade Reforms with WCO Eyes WTO Entry

Bosnia Advances Trade Reforms with WCO Eyes WTO Entry

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through its Mercator Programme, supports Bosnia and Herzegovina in implementing the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). A national workshop was held to raise awareness of the TFA among stakeholders, identify implementation priorities, and promote the establishment of a National Committee on Trade Facilitation (NCTF). The workshop focused on the technical measures of the TFA and provided recommendations for Bosnia and Herzegovina's future trade facilitation efforts. This initiative aims to help Bosnia and Herzegovina integrate into the global trading system.

Mexico Hong Kong Boost Trade with AEO Mutual Recognition

Mexico Hong Kong Boost Trade with AEO Mutual Recognition

Mexico and Hong Kong signed a Joint Action Plan on AEO Mutual Recognition, aiming to enhance trade facilitation and supply chain security. This initiative will simplify customs clearance procedures and reduce inspection rates, bringing benefits such as improved efficiency, reduced costs, and enhanced security for businesses. It is also expected to promote the global AEO mutual recognition process. The agreement signifies a commitment to streamlining international trade and fostering a more secure and efficient global supply chain.

Ukraine Boosts Customs Expertise with HS System Lab Partnerships

Ukraine Boosts Customs Expertise with HS System Lab Partnerships

The World Customs Organization held a national workshop in Ukraine on the HS Nomenclature and the role of Customs Laboratories. The workshop aimed to enhance Ukraine's customs commodity classification capabilities, emphasizing the importance of Customs Laboratories in this process. It also fostered international cooperation and exchange, injecting new impetus into the modernization of Ukrainian customs. The event highlighted the crucial role of accurate classification in trade facilitation and revenue collection, underscoring the need for well-equipped and skilled Customs Laboratories.

Liberia Upgrades Tax Agency HR Systems with WCO Assistance

Liberia Upgrades Tax Agency HR Systems with WCO Assistance

With the support of the World Customs Organization (WCO), the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) is modernizing its Human Resource Management (HRM). This includes developing a job catalog and competency framework, as well as initiating capacity assessments and change management. Emerging as a model in West Africa, the LRA is progressing towards becoming a regional leader in HRM, offering valuable lessons for other developing nations. The modernization efforts aim to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the LRA's workforce.

East Africa Boosts Antismuggling Efforts with WCO JICA Support

East Africa Boosts Antismuggling Efforts with WCO JICA Support

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) jointly held a workshop in Uganda to enhance customs intelligence analysis capabilities and strengthen anti-smuggling efforts in East Africa. Customs officials from various East African countries collaborated to develop post-seizure analysis training materials. Experts from the WCO and Japan Customs provided guidance to help East African customs improve their intelligence-driven risk management and combat smuggling crimes. The workshop aimed to build capacity and foster regional cooperation in tackling cross-border illicit trade.

Serbia Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO Risk Management Aid

Serbia Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO Risk Management Aid

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through its Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP), conducted a risk management workshop for Serbian Customs. The aim was to enhance their risk management capabilities, establish a robust risk management system, and improve their risk registry. This initiative will help Serbian Customs improve inspection efficiency, increase transparency, and ultimately facilitate trade, contributing to the country's economic development.

Serbia Boosts Trade Efficiency with Customs Time Release Study

Serbia Boosts Trade Efficiency with Customs Time Release Study

Serbian Customs, in collaboration with the World Customs Organization, launched a National Clearance Time Study project. This initiative aims to optimize customs procedures through data analysis, enhancing trade efficiency and the business environment. The project, involving workshops and roadmap planning, identifies challenges, develops improvement measures, and promotes stakeholder engagement. The ultimate goal is to achieve trade facilitation and drive economic growth in Serbia.

Cte Divoire Customs Boosts Gender Equality with WCO Backing

Cte Divoire Customs Boosts Gender Equality with WCO Backing

The WCO conducted an assessment in Côte d'Ivoire on the progress of gender equality and diversity within customs administration. The assessment provided recommendations for improvement, aiming to create a work environment that promotes equal opportunities for all. The focus was on identifying areas where customs practices and policies could be enhanced to foster a more inclusive and equitable workplace, benefiting both employees and the effectiveness of customs operations. Ultimately, this initiative supports the WCO's commitment to promoting gender equality and diversity within its member organizations.

Botswana Enhances Border Trade with WCO Aid at Mamuno

Botswana Enhances Border Trade with WCO Aid at Mamuno

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Botswana in implementing a Time Release Study (TRS) at the Mamuno border post to optimize customs clearance processes and establish a One-Stop Border Post (OSBP). Through data collection and analysis, bottlenecks will be identified and recommendations made to improve trade efficiency and promote economic development. The WCO will continue to provide technical support to ensure the successful completion of the TRS. The goal is to streamline border procedures and enhance trade facilitation for Botswana.

Nigeria Revises Tariffs to Align With Afcfta Trade Pact

Nigeria Revises Tariffs to Align With Afcfta Trade Pact

Nigeria is upgrading its tariff system in collaboration with the WCO and ECOWAS to prepare for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This modernization aims to improve trade efficiency, combat smuggling, and promote regional integration. The updated system will streamline customs procedures and enhance compliance with international standards, ultimately facilitating smoother trade flows and contributing to Nigeria's economic growth within the AfCFTA framework. This initiative signifies Nigeria's commitment to leveraging the opportunities presented by the AfCFTA and strengthening its position as a key player in African trade.