Zhengou International Freight Train: A New Channel for Promoting the

Zhengou International Freight Train: A New Channel for Promoting the "belt and Road" Initiative

Since its launch in 2013, the Zhengzhou-Europe international freight train has become a vital logistics corridor connecting China's central region with European markets. After a 16-day journey, the train safely arrives in Germany and has established distribution hubs in over 50 cities, significantly enhancing logistics efficiency. Additionally, by utilizing an international multimodal transport model, the train can quickly deliver goods transshipped from Japan and South Korea, facilitating smooth international trade and presenting a promising outlook.

10/21/2023 Logistics
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WCO JICA Boost Customs Valuation Training in Southern Africa

WCO JICA Boost Customs Valuation Training in Southern Africa

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) joint project is progressing in Southern Africa. The 3rd Working Group activity of the Customs Valuation (CV) Master Trainer Programme (MTP) aimed to enhance the customs valuation capabilities of Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. The project focuses on developing a regional pool of trainers and creating training materials. This initiative seeks to promote fairness and efficiency in international trade by strengthening customs valuation expertise within the region.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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East Africa Enhances Customs Audits Via WCOJICA Training

East Africa Enhances Customs Audits Via WCOJICA Training

The MTP project, a joint initiative between the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has successfully developed a team of customs audit trainers and created regional training materials in East Africa. This initiative has significantly enhanced the region's customs audit capabilities, contributing to trade facilitation and regional economic development. The project's impact lies in its focus on building local expertise and providing tailored resources to address specific challenges within the East African context.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Southern Africa Enhances Customs Valuation Via WCOJICA Initiative

Southern Africa Enhances Customs Valuation Via WCOJICA Initiative

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) are jointly implementing the Customs Valuation (CV) Master Trainer Program (MTP) to create a professional and sustainable pool of CV trainers in Southern Africa. The third working group activity focused on developing training materials and enhancing practical skills. The WCO and JICA are committed to continuously supporting customs capacity building in the region, building an efficient and transparent customs valuation system, and promoting trade development.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Enhances Asiapacific IP Protection with New Experts

WCO Enhances Asiapacific IP Protection with New Experts

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a Technical and Operational Advisor (TOA) Accreditation Workshop on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in Japan. This initiative aims to strengthen the IPR enforcement capabilities of customs administrations in the Asia-Pacific region. By certifying highly qualified experts, the WCO is committed to building a sustainable IPR protection system, combating cross-border trade in counterfeit and pirated goods, and promoting the construction of an IPR protection community in the Asia-Pacific region.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Cameroon Customs Adopts Digital Tools to Strengthen Supply Chains

Cameroon Customs Adopts Digital Tools to Strengthen Supply Chains

Cameroon Customs, with the support of the WCO and the Government of Japan, held a seminar to enhance disaster response capabilities and promote digital tools to optimize customs clearance processes. This initiative aims to build a more resilient customs system, providing a more stable and efficient trading environment for businesses and fostering economic development in Cameroon. The focus is on strengthening customs' ability to withstand disruptions and leverage technology for improved efficiency and security in international trade.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Okinawa Port Emerges As Key Maritime Hub in Ryukyu Islands

Okinawa Port Emerges As Key Maritime Hub in Ryukyu Islands

Okinawa Port, a dual-use military and commercial port in Japan, is strategically located in the heart of the Ryukyu Islands, connecting Northeast and Southeast Asia. The port area is divided into three sections: North, Central, and South, serving military, deep-sea shipping, and passenger/cargo transport functions, respectively. Leveraging its strategic location and shipping value, Okinawa Port has become a crucial regional trade hub. It plays a significant role in facilitating commerce and transportation within the Asia-Pacific region.

09/29/2025 Port Encyclopedia
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WCO Tool Aids Jordan Customs in Modernization Efforts

WCO Tool Aids Jordan Customs in Modernization Efforts

At the invitation of Jordan Customs, the WCO utilized the Japan Fund to pilot a new risk management tool. The initiative aimed to assess Jordan Customs' capabilities in risk management, provide recommendations for improvement, and ultimately contribute to the modernization of Jordan Customs. This pilot project focused on leveraging WCO tools and best practices to enhance risk assessment and mitigation strategies within Jordanian customs operations. The goal was to strengthen border security and facilitate legitimate trade through improved risk management practices.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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West Africa Customs Training Thrives Amid Pandemic Challenges

West Africa Customs Training Thrives Amid Pandemic Challenges

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) joint “Mentoring Training Programme” (MTP) has made significant progress in West Africa. Overcoming the impact of the pandemic through innovative models such as virtual working groups, the program successfully enhanced the capacity of customs officers in West African countries in risk management and intelligence analysis, contributing to regional trade security and economic development. The success of this program provides a valuable reference for capacity building in other developing countries.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Burkina Faso Boosts Customs with Wcobacked Reforms

Burkina Faso Boosts Customs with Wcobacked Reforms

With support from the Japan Customs Cooperation Fund, the World Customs Organization (WCO) held a workshop in Burkina Faso to assist the country in implementing the revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) and the SAFE Framework. The workshop focused on the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program, providing practical guidance on the RKC and AEO for customs officials and private sector representatives of Burkina Faso. It also helped develop action plans to improve customs administration and promote international trade development in Burkina Faso.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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