Uzbekistan Joins SECOWCO Program to Enhance Trade Efficiency

Uzbekistan Joins SECOWCO Program to Enhance Trade Efficiency

Uzbekistan joined the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme to enhance customs efficiency and optimize the business environment. The project supports capacity building and organizational development, strengthens post-clearance audits, and conducts release time studies, promoting economic growth and regional connectivity. This initiative aligns with global trade facilitation trends and is expected to modernize Uzbekistan's customs, optimize regulations, and improve services. It aims to contribute significantly to the country's economic development and regional cooperation.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bangladesh Customs Boosts Trade Efficiency with Stakeholder Talks

Bangladesh Customs Boosts Trade Efficiency with Stakeholder Talks

The Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP), jointly initiated by the World Customs Organization and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, has launched a specific assistance program for Bangladesh. This program aims to help Bangladesh Customs optimize goods release processes and improve trade efficiency. In-depth strategic dialogues were held on the issue of Time Release Study (TRS), and a comprehensive TRS work plan was developed to ensure the sustainability of goods release times and strengthen the autonomy of Bangladesh Customs.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Advocates Gender Equality to Strengthen Supply Chains

WCO Advocates Gender Equality to Strengthen Supply Chains

On International Women's Day, the World Customs Organization (WCO) emphasized empowering women's leadership and promoting gender equality and diversity to build more resilient and sustainable supply chains. Through the release of the 'Compendium on Gender Equality and Diversity in Customs' and ongoing training and collaboration, the WCO is committed to advancing gender equality and diversity within the global customs community. These efforts contribute to building a more just and prosperous world by fostering inclusivity and equal opportunities within international trade and customs practices.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Uzbekistan Streamlines Customs to Boost Trade Efficiency

Uzbekistan Streamlines Customs to Boost Trade Efficiency

The State Customs Committee (SCC) of Uzbekistan, with the support of the World Customs Organization (WCO), conducted a strategic planning workshop aimed at enhancing customs strategic planning and performance measurement capabilities to develop a comprehensive customs strategic plan. The workshop emphasized the importance of strategic maps and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to promote trade facilitation, enhance national competitiveness, increase tax revenues, and combat smuggling and violations, ultimately improving Uzbekistan's international image.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Serbia Enhances Trade Via WCO Mercator Program

Serbia Enhances Trade Via WCO Mercator Program

The World Customs Organization (WCO) successfully completed a Mercator Program assessment of Serbian Customs, marking significant progress in trade facilitation for Serbia. The assessment aimed to understand Serbia's current compliance with the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement and develop a tailored action plan. The WCO will provide technical assistance through the PMFE to help Serbia improve its trade facilitation level and promote economic growth. This initiative will support Serbia in streamlining customs procedures and reducing trade costs, ultimately boosting its competitiveness in the global market.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Americas Caribbean Customs Unite to Strengthen Supply Chains

Americas Caribbean Customs Unite to Strengthen Supply Chains

The Meeting of Directors General of Customs of the Americas and the Caribbean focused on the theme of "Recovery, Innovation, and Resilience." Discussions centered on regional priorities and best practices, emphasizing the crucial role of customs in trade facilitation, border security, and sustainable supply chains. Participants shared experiences in innovative technology applications, customs modernization, and personnel skills enhancement. The meeting aimed to strengthen regional cooperation, promote economic recovery, and foster development within the region. The focus was on building stronger, more resilient economies through enhanced customs collaboration.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WTO and WCO Forge Partnership to Modernize Global Trade

WTO and WCO Forge Partnership to Modernize Global Trade

The Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) met with the Secretary-General of the World Customs Organization (WCO) in Geneva to deepen cooperation in traditional trade areas and address pandemic-related challenges. Discussions focused on facilitating cross-border vaccine transport and ensuring global supply chain security. This meeting signals a new era of more efficient and secure global trade. Both organizations aim to streamline procedures and enhance collaboration to support economic recovery and build resilience against future disruptions. The focus is on practical solutions to improve trade flows and promote international cooperation.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Addresses Global Crises Reforms Trade Policies

WCO Addresses Global Crises Reforms Trade Policies

The World Customs Organization (WCO) emphasized the importance of reshaping international rules amidst global crises at the annual meeting of international organizations. By publishing the 'Compendium of International Organizations Practices,' the WCO actively participates in international cooperation, ensuring the smooth flow of goods during the pandemic. It also advocates for establishing a culture of assessing international instruments to address future challenges. The WCO calls for collective efforts to build a more efficient, inclusive, and sustainable global trade system, highlighting the need for collaborative solutions in a rapidly changing world.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Prioritizes Trade Recovery Innovation Amid Global Challenges

WCO Prioritizes Trade Recovery Innovation Amid Global Challenges

World Customs Organization (WCO) Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya held an online meeting with representatives from Geneva Customs to discuss how customs administrations can promote trade facilitation, build sustainable supply chains, and contribute to global trade prosperity in the context of global economic recovery. The discussion focused on leveraging technological innovation, fostering international cooperation, and effectively implementing the Trade Facilitation Agreement. These efforts aim to streamline customs procedures, reduce trade costs, and ultimately support the growth of international commerce.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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World Customs Organization Advances Gender Equality Efforts

World Customs Organization Advances Gender Equality Efforts

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Virtual Working Group on Gender Equality and Diversity convened to discuss new initiatives promoting gender equality and diversity in customs. Discussions included reviewing the draft WCO Council Declaration on Gender Equality and Diversity in Customs, preparing for the establishment of a “Customs Gender Equality and Diversity Network,” and conducting internal assessments. The WCO will continue to collaborate with its members to advance the relevant agenda.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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