Gender Pay Gap Persists in Procurement Solutions Emerge

Gender Pay Gap Persists in Procurement Solutions Emerge

The gender pay gap in procurement is widening, with women earning less than men and the disparity increasing. Structural barriers and unconscious biases are major contributing factors. Addressing this requires raising awareness, implementing fair hiring and promotion policies, offering flexible work arrangements, advocating for pay transparency, encouraging women's participation in industry events, and fostering a diverse and inclusive corporate culture. Collective action is needed to create an equitable professional development environment for all.

Wenzhou Optics Fair 2026 to Showcase Chinas Growing Eyewear Sector

Wenzhou Optics Fair 2026 to Showcase Chinas Growing Eyewear Sector

The 2026 Wenzhou International Optics Fair (WOF), a leading indicator of China's eyewear industry chain, will gather top global buyers and industry experts. It offers a comprehensive platform covering the entire industry chain with an international perspective. The fair will strengthen overseas market promotion, helping companies expand into international markets and seize new opportunities for industry development. WOF aims to facilitate international trade and contribute to the industrial upgrading of the optics sector.

Global Air Freight Faces Varied Customs Clearance Rules

Global Air Freight Faces Varied Customs Clearance Rules

This article provides an in-depth analysis of air freight customs clearance differences in major countries and regions, including the United States, the European Union, Japan, and the United Kingdom. It covers document requirements, declaration procedures, and special regulations, aiming to help businesses and individuals master key customs clearance points in each country. The goal is to improve air freight efficiency, avoid potential risks, and ensure smooth global cargo flow. It offers practical guidance for navigating international customs regulations and optimizing the import/export process.

WCO JICA Boost East Africa Customs Valuation for Trade Growth

WCO JICA Boost East Africa Customs Valuation for Trade Growth

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) joint project held an advanced Customs Valuation trainer workshop in East Africa. The aim was to cultivate experienced trainers, develop practical training materials, and enhance customs valuation capabilities in East Africa, thereby promoting trade facilitation. Through case studies, expert guidance, and skills sharing, the workshop improved the professional level of customs officials and customs brokers, contributing to regional economic development. The initiative underscores the importance of skilled personnel in ensuring fair and efficient trade practices.

Burkina Faso Hosts Workshop on Trade Modernization Reforms

Burkina Faso Hosts Workshop on Trade Modernization Reforms

With support from Japan, the World Customs Organization (WCO) held a seminar in Burkina Faso to promote the implementation of the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC). The seminar aimed to enhance customs efficiency and facilitate integration into global trade. The RKC is a key international instrument for simplifying and harmonizing customs procedures. By adopting the RKC and implementing programs like Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) certification, countries can streamline trade processes, reduce costs, and improve security. This initiative contributes to broader trade facilitation efforts and supports economic development.

Asiapacific Customs Boost Chemical Analysis for Trade Security

Asiapacific Customs Boost Chemical Analysis for Trade Security

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with the Asia/Pacific Regional Office for Capacity Building and Japan Customs, held the Asia/Pacific Customs Chemical Analysis Workshop. The aim was to enhance the analytical capabilities of customs laboratories in the region and strengthen regional cooperation to address the increasingly complex trade environment. Participants shared experiences, learned about WCO tools, and emphasized the role of laboratories in revenue collection and combating illicit drugs. The workshop fostered a collaborative environment to improve customs efficiency across the Asia/Pacific region.

WCO Scholarship Program Trains Future Customs Leaders Worldwide

WCO Scholarship Program Trains Future Customs Leaders Worldwide

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Scholarship Programme aims to cultivate future customs leaders, promote knowledge sharing, and enhance professional pride within the customs sector. The 85th iteration brought together participants from 15 countries worldwide. Through tailored training courses, field visits, and international collaboration, the program helps participants enhance their capabilities and contribute to the development of their respective customs administrations. The success of this program relies on the support of countries like Japan, China, and South Korea. It's a key initiative for global customs cooperation and development.

Lao Customs Adopts Japanese Expertise to Curb Smuggling

Lao Customs Adopts Japanese Expertise to Curb Smuggling

In 2017, Lao Customs officers participated in a training program on airport compliance and enforcement, supported by the World Customs Organization and sponsored by the Japan Customs Cooperation Fund. The training aimed to enhance Lao Customs' capabilities in passenger risk management. Through theoretical learning and practical exercises, participants mastered key skills such as risk assessment, risk profiling, and target selection. They also learned practical methods including verbal and non-verbal risk assessment and questioning techniques. This initiative contributes to the modernization of Lao Customs.

Malaysia Boosts Customs Oversight with WCO Audit Training

Malaysia Boosts Customs Oversight with WCO Audit Training

The World Customs Organization (WCO) successfully held a Post-Clearance Audit (PCA) training in Malaysia, aiming to enhance the customs' PCA capabilities and promote trade facilitation. The workshop covered PCA concepts, risk management, valuation, and auditing techniques, sharing case experiences from Japan and China. This training will help Malaysian Customs provide more convenient customs clearance services for enterprises while ensuring revenue collection, thereby promoting economic development. The training emphasized practical skills and knowledge transfer to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of post-clearance controls.

Japans Ecommerce Growth Attracts Crossborder Sellers

Japans Ecommerce Growth Attracts Crossborder Sellers

Japan is the world's third-largest e-commerce market, making it highly attractive to Chinese cross-border sellers. The key to successfully entering this market lies in selecting the right e-commerce platform and implementing effective localization strategies. This includes adapting to Japanese language and culture, offering preferred payment methods, and establishing reliable logistics solutions. Understanding and catering to local preferences is crucial for success in the competitive Japanese e-commerce landscape. These adjustments will significantly enhance the customer experience and improve market penetration.