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.

Ghana Tightens IP Laws to Spur Economic Growth

Ghana Tightens IP Laws to Spur Economic Growth

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held an intellectual property (IP) workshop in Ghana to enhance the IP protection capabilities of Ghanaian customs officers, combat counterfeit goods, and promote Ghana's economic development. The workshop, through international cooperation, skills training, and practical exercises, injected new impetus into Ghana's IP protection efforts. It focused on strengthening customs officials' ability to identify and seize counterfeit goods, fostering collaboration between agencies, and raising awareness about the importance of IP rights. The goal was to create a more secure and competitive business environment in Ghana.

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.

WCO Trains African Customs on Gender Equality for Better Teams

WCO Trains African Customs on Gender Equality for Better Teams

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through the Finnish ESA Project II, held a workshop in Africa to enhance the skills of customs administrations in gender equality. The workshop focused on the application of WCO tools, promoted regional cooperation, and conducted an assessment of Mauritius Customs. The aim is to build more inclusive and diverse customs teams, improve operational efficiency, and enhance service quality. This initiative contributes to creating a more equitable and effective customs environment across the region.

WCO Backs UAE in Standardizing Customs Recruitment Training

WCO Backs UAE in Standardizing Customs Recruitment Training

At the request of the UAE Federal Customs Authority, the World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a diagnostic assessment of its customs personnel recruitment and training processes. The aim was to establish unified standards, improve customs efficiency, and facilitate international trade. A WCO expert team, through research and interviews, drafted a guide for a unified recruitment and training system and developed a follow-up action plan. This laid the foundation for the standardization and professionalization of the UAE customs personnel workforce.

West Africa Customs Seminar Advances Gender Equality in Trade

West Africa Customs Seminar Advances Gender Equality in Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a high-level Gender Equality and Diversity (GED) seminar in Nigeria, empowering customs administrations from four West African countries. By raising awareness of gender mainstreaming, focusing on gender and security issues, and utilizing the GEOAT tool, the seminar assisted customs departments in developing and implementing GED action plans. The aim is to promote trade security, inclusive development, and address the challenges faced by women in cross-border trade. This initiative strengthens customs capacity to better serve all members of society.

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.

WCO Establishes Global Ecommerce Trade Standards

WCO Establishes Global Ecommerce Trade Standards

The World Customs Organization (WCO) E-Commerce Working Group has finalized a comprehensive e-commerce package. This aims to promote the standardization, efficiency, and sustainability of global cross-border e-commerce through a standardized framework, technical specifications, and implementation strategies. The package covers various aspects, including terminology definitions, technical specifications, and tax collection. Following review by various committees, it is expected to be promoted and implemented globally, facilitating trade and harmonizing practices in the rapidly growing e-commerce sector.

Tanzania Boosts Trade with Upgraded Customs System

Tanzania Boosts Trade with Upgraded Customs System

With support from WCO/JICA, Tanzania is actively developing a customs risk management framework to enhance customs efficiency, combat smuggling and tax evasion, and promote trade facilitation. Through risk identification, assessment, control, and monitoring, this framework will help Tanzanian customs address challenges and contribute to national economic development. International cooperation and continuous improvement are key. The risk management concept is also applicable to other areas.

Azerbaijan Customs Boosts Training with WCO Backing

Azerbaijan Customs Boosts Training with WCO Backing

The WCO assisted Azerbaijan Customs in conducting a human resource diagnostic assessment. This initiative aligns with WCO standards, aiming to enhance the professionalism of the customs workforce and promote economic development. By identifying areas for improvement and implementing targeted training programs, Azerbaijan Customs seeks to optimize its human capital and improve its overall operational efficiency. This effort contributes to streamlined trade facilitation and increased revenue collection, ultimately supporting sustainable economic growth.