Botswana Enhances Border Trade with WCO Aid at Mamuno

Botswana Enhances Border Trade with WCO Aid at Mamuno

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Botswana in implementing a Time Release Study (TRS) at the Mamuno border post to optimize customs clearance processes and establish a One-Stop Border Post (OSBP). Through data collection and analysis, bottlenecks will be identified and recommendations made to improve trade efficiency and promote economic development. The WCO will continue to provide technical support to ensure the successful completion of the TRS. The goal is to streamline border procedures and enhance trade facilitation for Botswana.

WCO Marks 20 Years of Boosting Asiapacific Customs Capacity

WCO Marks 20 Years of Boosting Asiapacific Customs Capacity

The WCO Regional Office for Capacity Building Asia Pacific (ROCB A/P) celebrates its 20th anniversary. It has significantly enhanced customs capacity in the region and promoted trade facilitation. Moving forward, the ROCB A/P will continue to strengthen cooperation with member administrations and partners. Its focus remains on delivering effective capacity building programs and fostering regional integration to support sustainable economic growth and security within the Asia-Pacific region. The anniversary marks a significant milestone in the ROCB A/P's commitment to advancing customs modernization and regional collaboration.

WCO Conference in Shenzhen Advances Secure Inclusive Trade

WCO Conference in Shenzhen Advances Secure Inclusive Trade

The WCO Conference in Shenzhen focused on AEO promoting inclusive and sustainable trade. It emphasized AEO's role in economic security, empowering SMEs, and driving technological advancements. The 'Shenzhen Action Plan' will guide future work, aiming to enhance global trade facilitation and security through AEO programs. The conference highlighted the importance of international cooperation in implementing and expanding AEO initiatives to foster a more resilient and secure global supply chain, ultimately benefiting all stakeholders involved in international trade.

WCO Launches Enhanced Trade Efficiency Training Course

WCO Launches Enhanced Trade Efficiency Training Course

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has launched an upgraded Time Release Study (TRS) CLiKC! course, designed to help customs administrations measure cargo release times, optimize processes, and improve efficiency. The course covers all phases of the TRS methodology, emphasizing practical application through case studies, exercises, and role-playing to enhance participants' skills. This initiative supports trade facilitation and benefits the global economy. WCO members can access the course for free on the CLiKC! platform. It aims to enhance customs efficiency and reduce release times for goods.

WCO Releases Handbook for Customs Performance Excellence

WCO Releases Handbook for Customs Performance Excellence

The WCO has released a Customs Performance Assessment Handbook, providing tools such as assessment guidelines, KPI selection, and data management. It aims to improve the operational efficiency and service levels of customs administrations. The handbook offers a framework for measuring and enhancing performance across various customs functions, ultimately contributing to more effective border management and trade facilitation. It serves as a valuable resource for customs agencies seeking to optimize their processes and achieve strategic goals related to revenue collection, security, and compliance.

WCO HMRC Aid Nigeria Customs in Trade Efficiency Boost

WCO HMRC Aid Nigeria Customs in Trade Efficiency Boost

A WCO project is assisting the Nigeria Customs Service in optimizing document review and risk control. Drawing on South African experience, Nigeria Customs will update its manual strategies to enhance trade facilitation. This initiative aims to streamline customs procedures, improve efficiency, and reduce delays in cross-border trade. By implementing best practices and leveraging international cooperation, Nigeria Customs seeks to strengthen its risk management capabilities and promote a more secure and efficient trading environment.

WCO Expertise France Boost Gender Equality in African Tax Agencies

WCO Expertise France Boost Gender Equality in African Tax Agencies

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and Expertise France jointly organized a gender equality workshop in Côte d'Ivoire. The workshop aimed to raise awareness of gender equality among customs and tax officials in West and Central Africa. Practical tools, such as the Gender Equality Organizational Assessment Tool (GEOAT), were introduced. The event also facilitated the exchange of experiences between countries, laying the foundation for a more equitable and inclusive customs and tax environment. The initiative underscores the importance of international collaboration in promoting gender equality within customs and taxation sectors.

Asiapacific Customs Summit Stresses Trade Resilience Cooperation

Asiapacific Customs Summit Stresses Trade Resilience Cooperation

The 25th WCO Asia-Pacific Regional Heads of Customs Conference successfully concluded in Sydney, focusing on the theme of 'Customs Engaging Purposefully with Traditional and New Partners,' emphasizing international supply chain resilience. The conference reviewed the implementation of the regional strategic plan, approved a new strategic plan, endorsed a draft WCO resolution supporting enhanced Customs-industry resilience, and approved the establishment of a WCO Regional Training Center in Cambodia. This marks a new chapter for customs cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.

WCO Launches Online Course for Customs Change Management

WCO Launches Online Course for Customs Change Management

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has launched an online Change Management course to equip customs professionals with the skills to navigate the evolving international trade landscape. The course covers change management concepts, stakeholder engagement, tools and processes, and resistance management, emphasizing a blend of theory and practice. It is available on the CLiKC! platform and is accessible free of charge to WCO members. The course aims to improve customs administrations' ability to adapt to new challenges and implement effective trade facilitation measures.

Egyptian Customs Boosts Leadership Skills Via WCO Partnership

Egyptian Customs Boosts Leadership Skills Via WCO Partnership

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a leadership and management development workshop in Alexandria, Egypt, for senior officials of the Egyptian Customs Authority. The workshop aimed to enhance their leadership skills and ability to drive reform. Topics covered included leadership, integrity, gender equality, negotiation, personnel management, communication, and change management. The workshop fostered individual and organizational development and provided strong support for the modernization process of Egyptian Customs. It focused on building the capabilities needed to effectively manage and lead the organization through ongoing changes.