Amur River Bridge Boosts Chinarussia Trade

Amur River Bridge Boosts Chinarussia Trade

Design work for the China-Russia Amur River Bridge is about to commence, with an expected annual cargo capacity of 20 million tons. This project is a key initiative to enhance regional logistics capabilities. Supporting infrastructure construction is also underway, including railway branch upgrades and residential area planning. Completion of the Skovorodino-Rynovo railway reconstruction will lay the foundation for the main bridge construction. This bridge will significantly boost cross-border trade and improve overall logistics efficiency between China and Russia.

02/05/2026 Logistics
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West African Customs Officials Trained on Rules of Origin

West African Customs Officials Trained on Rules of Origin

The WCO and JICA are collaborating on a Rules of Origin training program in West Africa. This initiative focuses on developing 'trainers' to enhance customs capacity in the region. The project aims to equip customs officials with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively implement and manage Rules of Origin, particularly in the context of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). By strengthening customs capacity, the program seeks to facilitate trade and address the challenges posed by the AfCFTA.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Botswana Customs Boosts Environmental Enforcement with Training

Botswana Customs Boosts Environmental Enforcement with Training

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), held a workshop in Botswana to enhance the capacity of customs officials in controlling hazardous waste and ozone-depleting substances. The workshop aimed to improve customs officers' knowledge and skills related to the identification, detection, and prevention of illegal trade in environmentally sensitive goods covered under various multilateral environmental agreements. This initiative underscores the importance of customs authorities in enforcing environmental regulations and combating environmental crime.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO IAPH Partner to Ease Maritime Delays Via Digital Ports

WCO IAPH Partner to Ease Maritime Delays Via Digital Ports

IAPH and WCO co-organized a workshop to accelerate digital transformation, enhance trade facilitation, and improve supply chain security by strengthening customs-port cooperation. They will develop international guidelines to promote data sharing, process optimization, and capacity building, jointly building an efficient, secure, and sustainable global trade ecosystem. The collaboration aims to streamline processes, reduce delays, and enhance transparency within the maritime trade sector. This initiative highlights the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing the evolving challenges of global trade and security.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Eswatini Enhances Trade with Workforce Development

Eswatini Enhances Trade with Workforce Development

Eswatini is enhancing the professionalism of its customs workforce by building a modern, competency-based human resource management system to drive trade facilitation. The World Customs Organization (WCO) provided expert diagnosis and support, and the Eswatini Revenue Authority (SRA) has committed to adopting the principles and developing an implementation plan. This initiative aims to remove trade barriers, improve efficiency, and ultimately promote national economic development. The focus on talent development within the customs administration is crucial for achieving sustainable trade facilitation outcomes.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Costa Rica Japan Push for Stronger Trade Dispute System

Costa Rica Japan Push for Stronger Trade Dispute System

The five-party proposal aims to improve the trade remedy mechanism by streamlining channels, ensuring companies' right to appeal, standardizing timelines, allowing representation, and addressing the needs of developing countries. It seeks to promote fair global trade by perfecting the trade appeal process. The proposal focuses on ensuring accessibility and efficiency in resolving trade disputes, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and transparent international trading system. This initiative is designed to foster a more balanced and sustainable global trade environment.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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South Korea Proposes Faster Customs to Boost Global Trade

South Korea Proposes Faster Customs to Boost Global Trade

South Korea has submitted a proposal aimed at optimizing global cargo release times and enhancing trade facilitation. The core elements include regularly publishing cargo release times, continuously reducing these times, providing special and differential treatment, and promptly notifying parties of any delays and their reasons. This initiative is expected to improve trade efficiency, enhance transparency, promote fair trade, and ultimately deliver tangible benefits to businesses. The proposal seeks to streamline processes and create a more predictable and efficient international trade environment.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Europeiran Railway Boosts Eurasian Trade

Europeiran Railway Boosts Eurasian Trade

The Europe-Iran direct rail freight line serves as a vital land trade route connecting Asia and Europe, offering advantages in timeliness, cost control, and environmental friendliness. This route fosters trade growth and industrial development along its path and faces broad cooperation prospects brought about by the Belt and Road Initiative. To address challenges, it is necessary to strengthen international collaboration, optimize transportation processes, and improve service levels. This will ensure the continued success and expansion of this crucial trade corridor.

02/06/2026 Logistics
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WCO Aids Mozambique in Tax Authority HR Modernization

WCO Aids Mozambique in Tax Authority HR Modernization

With funding from China, the World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting the Mozambique Tax Authority in modernizing its human resources management system. Through diagnostic assessments and workshops, the WCO provided recommendations to improve employee competence, enhance organizational efficiency, and ultimately better achieve its strategic goals. This capacity building initiative aims to strengthen the Mozambique Tax Authority's HR practices, leading to improved performance and effectiveness in revenue collection and customs administration. The project focuses on developing skills and knowledge within the organization.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Taiwan and Outlying Islands Boost Global Trade Connectivity

Taiwan and Outlying Islands Boost Global Trade Connectivity

The Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu actively advocates for trade facilitation, emphasizing its importance for SMEs. It faces challenges in technical assistance, capacity building, and the application of international standards. They call for a long-term mechanism to promote international cooperation, ensuring developing countries receive adequate support and bridging international standards gaps. This aims to build a globally interconnected trade bridge. This initiative focuses on supporting smaller businesses and fostering a more inclusive and efficient global trade environment.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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