East Africa Boosts Trade with Regional Audit Collaboration

East Africa Boosts Trade with Regional Audit Collaboration

With the support of the WCO/JICA joint project, the tax authorities of the five East African countries launched a senior trainer program for Post Clearance Audit (PCA) to enhance regional PCA capabilities and promote trade facilitation. By establishing a network of experts, improving training capabilities, and developing cooperation plans, customs administrations in East Africa will strengthen cooperation, address challenges, and contribute to regional economic development. The initiative aims to build a sustainable framework for PCA expertise and collaboration within the East African Community.

Bolivia Adopts WCO Program to Strengthen Customs Oversight

Bolivia Adopts WCO Program to Strengthen Customs Oversight

The Switzerland-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) supports Bolivian Customs in enhancing its risk management capabilities. Through workshops, progress is reviewed, recommendations are provided, and continuous technical assistance, capacity building, and experience sharing are offered. The aim is to assist Bolivian Customs in establishing a scientific, efficient, and sustainable risk management system. This system will help safeguard national economic security and promote legitimate trade development. The project focuses on building a robust framework for identifying and mitigating potential risks in cross-border trade.

Eswatini Enhances Border Management to Facilitate Trade Growth

Eswatini Enhances Border Management to Facilitate Trade Growth

With the support of the World Customs Organization, Eswatini is enhancing trade facilitation by synergizing border management and data standardization, aiming to realize its vision of a 'seamless border'. This collaborative approach streamlines processes, reduces delays, and promotes efficient cross-border movement of goods. By aligning border procedures and standardizing data exchange, Eswatini is working towards a more integrated and competitive trading environment, contributing to economic growth and regional integration. The focus on data standardization ensures interoperability and improved data quality across different systems.

Botswana Strengthens Environmental Customs Enforcement Under Global Pacts

Botswana Strengthens Environmental Customs Enforcement Under Global Pacts

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with UNEP and others, held a workshop for Botswana Customs to enhance awareness of the Basel and Montreal Conventions and strengthen controls over the cross-border movement of hazardous waste and ozone-depleting substances. The workshop fostered cooperation between customs and environmental agencies. Further technical assistance is planned to support the implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. This initiative aims to bolster Botswana's capacity in enforcing environmental regulations and facilitating legitimate trade while preventing illegal trafficking of harmful materials.

Jamaica Customs Adopts Digital Tools for Crossborder Efficiency

Jamaica Customs Adopts Digital Tools for Crossborder Efficiency

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Jamaica Customs in enhancing its cross-border collaboration environment. Through workshops, the WCO shared best practices for Single Window (SW) implementation, emphasizing the importance of regulatory coordination, data standardization, and process re-engineering. Jamaica has made progress in project implementation but still faces challenges. Recommendations include strengthening top-level design, establishing coordination mechanisms, and promoting data standardization to achieve trade facilitation and economic development. These efforts are crucial for streamlining customs procedures and boosting Jamaica's economic competitiveness.

Madagascar Customs Enhances Trade Via WCO Training Program

Madagascar Customs Enhances Trade Via WCO Training Program

The WCO is supporting the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) in talent development, enhancing human resource management, and addressing trade facilitation challenges. This support includes the launch of an e-learning platform to promote sustainable development. The initiative aims to strengthen the MRA's capabilities in key areas, enabling them to better manage their workforce and streamline trade processes. By investing in talent and providing modern learning tools, the WCO and MRA are working together to create a more efficient and effective customs environment in Malawi.

Comoros Streamlines Customs with WCO Support to Boost Trade

Comoros Streamlines Customs with WCO Support to Boost Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supports Comoros in acceding to the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC), which aims to streamline customs procedures and promote trade facilitation. Through national workshops and expert support, the WCO assists Comoros in assessing gaps, developing action plans, and communicating with high-level government officials. This ensures Comoros meets the conditions for joining the RKC by June 2019, embracing a new era of global economy. The initiative helps Comoros modernize its customs practices and integrate more effectively into the international trading system.

Argentina Adopts WCO Data Model with Chinas Backing

Argentina Adopts WCO Data Model with Chinas Backing

With the support of the China Customs Cooperation Fund, the WCO successfully held a Data Model Workshop in Argentina. The workshop aimed to assist Argentine Customs and related agencies in adopting the WCO Data Model, building a harmonized national data directory, and enhancing digitalization and trade facilitation capabilities. The workshop included technical analysis, practical exercises, and case studies, injecting new momentum into the digital transformation of Argentine Customs. The goal is to improve data standardization and streamline trade processes, contributing to overall economic growth.

WCO Private Sector Collaborate to Strengthen Global Supply Chains

WCO Private Sector Collaborate to Strengthen Global Supply Chains

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Private Sector Consultative Group (PSCG) met and engaged in dialogue with the WCO Policy Commission (PC), focusing on business recovery, the WCO Data Strategy, and Green Customs. Both parties emphasized strengthening cooperation to normalize trade facilitation measures and leveraging data and technology to promote sustainable development, jointly building a more resilient global supply chain. The discussions highlighted the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in addressing current challenges and fostering a more efficient and sustainable global trade environment.

WCO Ensured Global Trade Stability During Pandemic

WCO Ensured Global Trade Stability During Pandemic

Amidst the global pandemic, the World Customs Organization (WCO) actively coordinates its member customs administrations to address the impact on international trade. This is achieved through information sharing, trade facilitation measures, enhanced international cooperation, and protection of frontline customs officers. The WCO established a dedicated COVID-19 information webpage, simplified customs clearance procedures for essential medical supplies, promoted the revised Kyoto Convention, and provided capacity building support. These efforts significantly contribute to ensuring global trade stability and fostering economic recovery during these challenging times.