The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a Competency-Based Human Resource Management (CBHRM) workshop for the Serbian government, aiming to enhance human resource management and promote customs modernization within Serbian Customs. The workshop covered strategic HRM, HRM systems, the CBHRM framework, and project management. This initiative supports Serbian Customs in building a talent-driven organization.
The WCO held a workshop in Bolivia to help its customs enhance organizational transformation capabilities, implement a new strategic plan, and promote trade facilitation and sustainable development. The workshop aimed to strengthen Bolivia's customs administration by focusing on modernizing its operations and aligning them with international best practices. This initiative is expected to improve efficiency, transparency, and compliance, ultimately contributing to economic growth and regional integration. The WCO's support underscores its commitment to assisting member countries in achieving their development goals through effective customs management.
The WCO's COPES project aims to enhance customs' capacity to combat illegal wildlife trade. A workshop in Togo focused on evidence collection, case management, and international cooperation. INAMA provided financial support. The training sought to improve the effectiveness of customs officials in identifying, investigating, and prosecuting wildlife trafficking offenses. Emphasis was placed on collaborative efforts between national agencies and international partners to disrupt transnational criminal networks involved in the illegal trade of endangered species.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Mongolian Customs in building an effective Post Clearance Audit (PCA) system to enhance regulatory efficiency, increase revenue collection, and promote trade facilitation. Through diagnostic missions and workshops, the WCO is tailoring solutions for Mongolian Customs, emphasizing internal process optimization, multi-agency cooperation, and voluntary compliance by businesses. This initiative aims to modernize Mongolian Customs and improve its overall performance in line with international standards, ultimately contributing to a more efficient and transparent trade environment.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) issued a notice urging member customs administrations to simplify clearance procedures for relief supplies during the pandemic and expedite the flow of goods. The notice emphasized the crucial role of customs in safeguarding lifelines and provided guidance. The practices of Chinese customs demonstrated a combination of efficiency and security. Post-pandemic reflections point towards customs informatization, international cooperation, and capacity building. Take action and contribute to the global fight against the pandemic.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) supports the Kyrgyz Republic Customs in developing an advance ruling system to enhance customs valuation efficiency and trade facilitation. Through workshops and capacity building, the WCO assists Kyrgyz Customs in building an efficient, transparent, and reliable advance ruling system. This aims to reduce trade risks for businesses, optimize supply chain management, and improve customs control effectiveness, ultimately promoting global trade facilitation. The system is expected to provide clarity and predictability, leading to smoother customs procedures and reduced delays.
The Secretary General of the World Customs Organization visited Saint Lucia, meeting with Saint Lucia Customs, the Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council (CCLEC), and government officials. Discussions focused on the trade challenges and opportunities facing small island economies in the Caribbean region. The visit emphasized the importance of customs reform and regional cooperation. The Secretary General also conducted field visits to observe customs operations, with the aim of promoting regional trade facilitation and security. The overall goal is to enhance trade efficiency and security within the Caribbean.
The Nigeria Customs Service is actively implementing a national Advance Ruling System aimed at reducing trade costs, improving efficiency, and enhancing trade predictability for businesses by pre-determining commodity classification, tax rates, and other relevant matters. This initiative, part of the EU-World Customs Organization Africa HS project, draws on the successful experiences of Ethiopia and Liberia. It is expected to significantly improve Nigeria's business environment and promote economic development by providing clarity and certainty to traders before importation.
The WCO has released crisis communication guidelines to assist customs administrations in responding to pandemic challenges. The guidelines emphasize clear objectives, teamwork, and proactive planning. Effective communication is crucial for maintaining public confidence, ensuring the smooth flow of essential goods, and fostering international cooperation. These guidelines provide a framework for customs organizations to manage information effectively during times of crisis, enabling them to adapt and respond efficiently while minimizing disruption to trade and protecting public health.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) is strengthening cooperation with the Basel Convention to combat environmental crimes such as the illegal cross-border trade in waste. This collaboration aims to enhance customs enforcement capabilities through developing training materials, utilizing online training platforms, strengthening networking, and conducting joint operations. By working together, the WCO and the Basel Convention seek to build a new landscape of global environmental governance and jointly safeguard the sustainable development of the planet.
