Azerbaijan Expands AEO Program to Facilitate Silk Road Trade

Azerbaijan Expands AEO Program to Facilitate Silk Road Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is supporting Azerbaijan Customs in accelerating its Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program, aiming to enhance supply chain security and improve trade efficiency. Through capacity-building workshops and the development of Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs), Azerbaijan is poised to better leverage its strategic geographic location as a key node on the 'Silk Road' to foster economic development. This initiative seeks to streamline customs procedures and promote a more secure and efficient trading environment for businesses operating in and through Azerbaijan.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Mali Customs Boosts Training with WCO Support for Staff Efficiency

Mali Customs Boosts Training with WCO Support for Staff Efficiency

With the support of the World Customs Organization, Mali Customs developed a Human Resource Management Strategy for 2018-2021. This strategy aims to enhance employee skills, improve work efficiency, and strengthen organizational cohesion through tools like competency models, ultimately achieving the overall mission of customs. The success of Mali Customs has attracted significant attention from the Ministry of Finance and is expected to be promoted to other government departments. The focus is on building a capable and motivated workforce to drive customs modernization and improve overall performance.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Comoros Boosts Customs Skills for WTO Accession Bid

Comoros Boosts Customs Skills for WTO Accession Bid

A joint WTO-WCO workshop aimed to enhance Comoros' customs valuation capabilities in preparation for WTO accession. The workshop covered topics such as customs valuation methods, pre-shipment inspection, and trade facilitation. The goal was to assist Comoros in establishing an efficient and transparent trade system to promote economic development. The experience of Comoros can offer valuable insights for other developing countries seeking to improve their trade practices and integrate into the global trading system. This initiative highlights the importance of capacity building for successful WTO membership.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Data Model Enhances Crossborder Ecommerce Security

WCO Data Model Enhances Crossborder Ecommerce Security

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Data Model Project Team (DMPT) emphasizes the crucial role of data in building a secure and efficient cross-border e-commerce environment and released the new WCO Data Model 3.7.0. The meeting focused on data standardization, information sharing, and data exchange related to e-commerce, aiming to improve risk management and customs clearance efficiency. This contributes to a safer and more efficient future for cross-border e-commerce by promoting harmonized data standards and facilitating seamless information flow between stakeholders.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Singapore Tightens Employment Pass Rules for 2026 Business Guide

Singapore Tightens Employment Pass Rules for 2026 Business Guide

Singapore is implementing new EP/S Pass policies in 2026, raising salary thresholds, restricting foreign quotas, and strengthening job approvals. Companies need to focus on the compliance of contract texts, job matching, and supporting documents. Building a sound compliance system and planning ahead are crucial to adapt to the new regulations and smoothly attract talent. Businesses should proactively conduct compliance self-checks to ensure they meet the upcoming requirements and avoid potential penalties. Early preparation is key to navigating the evolving landscape of Singapore's foreign workforce regulations.

01/26/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Kroger Ocado Expand Automated Grocery Fulfillment

Kroger Ocado Expand Automated Grocery Fulfillment

Kroger is expanding its partnership with Ocado, leveraging its software and technology to improve in-store pickup efficiency and building new automated fulfillment centers to enhance its online order delivery network. Ocado continues to innovate and invest heavily in robotics, but faces patent disputes with AutoStore. Further details of Kroger's online business strategy will be unveiled at the investor conference next March. The collaboration aims to streamline operations and cater to the growing demand for online grocery services, potentially boosting Kroger's competitiveness in the evolving retail landscape.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Hanjin Shipping Collapse Highlights Global Supply Chain Risks

Hanjin Shipping Collapse Highlights Global Supply Chain Risks

The Hanjin Shipping bankruptcy case highlights significant hidden risks within supply chains, with creditors potentially recovering less than two cents on the dollar. This article reviews the bankruptcy event, analyzes the creditors' predicament, proposes early warning signs for corporate bankruptcy, and explores issues such as supply chain risk prevention, industry impact, digital transformation, and green shipping. The aim is to provide businesses with risk management advice and strategies for building more resilient supply chains in the face of future disruptions and financial instability in the shipping sector.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Postpandemic Supply Chain Faces Talent Shortage Skills Gap

Postpandemic Supply Chain Faces Talent Shortage Skills Gap

A CRIC report reveals that the pandemic has accelerated the evolution of supply chain culture, with agility, resilience, and collaboration becoming the new normal. Companies face a shortage of end-to-end talent, and internal development poses challenges. Breaking down silos and building an enterprise-level supply chain culture are crucial to enhance data-driven decision-making, agile responsiveness, and risk management capabilities. Furthermore, reshaping talent development systems and creating future-oriented competency models are essential to build an agile, resilient, and collaborative supply chain ecosystem.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Integrating Procurement and Logistics Boosts Supply Chain Efficiency

Integrating Procurement and Logistics Boosts Supply Chain Efficiency

Amidst global supply chain challenges, information silos between procurement and logistics departments hinder companies' competitiveness. This paper analyzes the negative impacts of information fragmentation and proposes building a unified digital platform to achieve real-time information sharing, collaborative workflows, and intelligent analysis and forecasting. This approach aims to break down barriers, improve supply chain efficiency and responsiveness, reduce operating costs, and enhance the company's ability to cope with unforeseen events. By fostering collaboration and transparency, a digital platform can significantly improve overall supply chain performance.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Fourkites Koepke on Logistics Trends Supply Chain Resilience

Fourkites Koepke on Logistics Trends Supply Chain Resilience

In an interview, Glenn Koepke of FourKites analyzes current logistics market trends, including the current state of the market, changes in the LTL market landscape, and peak season outlook. He emphasizes the importance of digital transformation and building resilient supply chains. He also introduces FourKites' network collaboration strategy, designed to achieve end-to-end supply chain visibility, helping companies address challenges and improve efficiency. This approach aims to provide a comprehensive view, enabling businesses to proactively manage disruptions and optimize their operations in a dynamic environment.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More