The World Customs Organization (WCO) promotes the safe and efficient circulation of goods and enhances international trade facilitation by establishing unified policies. Its core initiatives include the WCO SAFE Framework, the Revised Kyoto Convention, and data models, effectively coordinating collaboration between customs and other government agencies to create a favorable environment for legitimate trade.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) supports Comoros in acceding to the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC). Through technical assistance and capacity building, the WCO aims to help Comoros simplify customs procedures, improve trade efficiency, attract foreign investment, and ultimately achieve economic growth. The government of Comoros has pledged its full support and strives to meet the accession requirements by June 2019, opening itself to the world.
The Hague Protocol, as a significant amendment to the Warsaw Convention of 1955, clarified the regulations governing international air transport. It established clearer standards for passenger tickets, baggage tickets, and cargo transportation, holding carriers accountable for errors in information provided by shippers. This marked a modernization of the air transport industry and strengthened the protection of the rights of all parties involved in transportation.
In 2010, the Philippines and Kenya acceded to the Revised Kyoto Convention, signifying their commitment to simplifying customs procedures and promoting international trade facilitation. The Convention aims to enhance trade efficiency, reduce costs, and foster global economic growth through streamlined processes, the application of information technology, risk management, and strengthened cooperation. The promotion and effective implementation of the Convention are crucial for building a more open and interconnected global trading system.
Switzerland, in collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO), has launched the Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) to enhance the efficiency of Ukrainian Customs and improve the business environment. Based on the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement and the WCO's Revised Kyoto Convention, the project provides technical assistance, capacity building, and resource support to help Ukraine achieve trade facilitation. This initiative aims to reduce costs for businesses, enhance competitiveness, promote foreign investment, and ultimately benefit consumers.
Yemen acceded to the Kyoto Convention on June 27, 2013, aiming to simplify and harmonize customs procedures and promote international trade facilitation. The convention will enter into force on September 27, 2013, after which Yemen's customs procedures will gradually align with international standards. Businesses will benefit from more convenient and efficient customs clearance services. Companies need to understand the new rules in a timely manner, adjust business processes, seize opportunities, and embrace change.
A joint statement by the World Customs Organization (WCO), the Intergovernmental Organisation for International Carriage by Rail (OTIF), and the Organization for Cooperation between Railways (OSJD) aims to coordinate and facilitate cross-border rail transport during the pandemic. It encourages the temporary acceptance of electronic documents to simplify customs procedures. Based on the Revised Kyoto Convention, this initiative seeks to ensure the continuity and facilitation of international rail transport and promote digital transformation within the rail transport industry.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) Deputy Secretary General visited Mexico to attend the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Forum, discussing the role of the AEO program in global trade facilitation and competitiveness enhancement. Both sides engaged in in-depth exchanges on the WCO's strategic plan, the Kyoto Convention, and Mexico's customs modernization initiatives. They also conducted site visits to border ports and data centers. This visit aims to strengthen cooperation and support Mexico in improving its trade competitiveness.
The Global Trade Facilitation Programme, a collaboration between the World Customs Organization and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, will provide technical assistance to Guatemalan Customs to facilitate its accession to the Revised Kyoto Convention. This initiative aims to improve the efficiency of Guatemalan Customs, reduce trade costs, enhance trade transparency, and ultimately boost its international competitiveness, fostering economic development. This support is crucial for Guatemala to streamline its customs procedures and align with international best practices.
The WCO and SECO's GTFP project assists Central American countries in implementing the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC), simplifying customs procedures, and promoting trade facilitation and economic growth. The project aims to streamline border processes, reduce transaction costs, and enhance the predictability and transparency of customs operations. By adopting the RKC standards, these countries can improve their competitiveness in the global market and attract foreign investment. This initiative contributes to regional integration and sustainable development by fostering a more efficient and effective trading environment.
