Eswatini Enhances Trade with Workforce Development

Eswatini Enhances Trade with Workforce Development

Eswatini is enhancing the professionalism of its customs workforce by building a modern, competency-based human resource management system to drive trade facilitation. The World Customs Organization (WCO) provided expert diagnosis and support, and the Eswatini Revenue Authority (SRA) has committed to adopting the principles and developing an implementation plan. This initiative aims to remove trade barriers, improve efficiency, and ultimately promote national economic development. The focus on talent development within the customs administration is crucial for achieving sustainable trade facilitation outcomes.

WCO Aids Mozambique in Tax Authority HR Modernization

WCO Aids Mozambique in Tax Authority HR Modernization

With funding from China, the World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting the Mozambique Tax Authority in modernizing its human resources management system. Through diagnostic assessments and workshops, the WCO provided recommendations to improve employee competence, enhance organizational efficiency, and ultimately better achieve its strategic goals. This capacity building initiative aims to strengthen the Mozambique Tax Authority's HR practices, leading to improved performance and effectiveness in revenue collection and customs administration. The project focuses on developing skills and knowledge within the organization.

Customs Officials Adopt Online Training Amid Crisis

Customs Officials Adopt Online Training Amid Crisis

The pandemic has accelerated the digital transformation of customs training, making online training an inevitable choice. The World Customs Organization (WCO) has published the 'Online Training Transformation Guide' to provide practical guidance for customs training managers. It emphasizes interactive engagement to help build a flexible and efficient online training system, enhance the capabilities of customs personnel, and promote global trade. This guide offers valuable insights for developing effective online training programs and adapting to the evolving needs of customs administrations worldwide.

Bhutan Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO Tariff Support

Bhutan Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO Tariff Support

The WCO is assisting Bhutan in developing its advance ruling system and optimizing tariff classification, enhancing customs capacity, facilitating trade, increasing revenue, and improving the business environment. This initiative focuses on modernizing customs procedures and providing traders with certainty regarding tariff treatment before import or export. By implementing a robust advance ruling system, Bhutan aims to streamline trade processes, reduce disputes, and attract foreign investment. The project contributes to the overall modernization of Bhutanese customs and its alignment with international best practices.

Lesotho Revenue Authority Upgrades HCM for Talent Management

Lesotho Revenue Authority Upgrades HCM for Talent Management

With the support of the World Customs Organization, the Lesotho Revenue Authority implemented a competency-based human resource management system. This initiative aims to enhance the efficiency of the organization and improve tax collection. The system focuses on developing the skills and knowledge of employees to ensure they are equipped to meet the demands of their roles. By investing in talent development and capacity building, the Lesotho Revenue Authority seeks to strengthen its operations and contribute to the country's economic growth.

Bolivia Customs Strengthens Leadership to Improve Trade

Bolivia Customs Strengthens Leadership to Improve Trade

In July 2022, Bolivian Customs held a high-level leadership retreat to enhance team capabilities, address future challenges, and strengthen teamwork and negotiation skills. The retreat focused on developing leadership qualities and fostering a collaborative environment within the customs administration. This initiative aimed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Bolivian Customs in facilitating trade and ensuring compliance with regulations. Ultimately, the goal was to equip the leadership team with the necessary tools to navigate complex issues and promote trade facilitation in Bolivia.

WCO Enhances Postclearance Audits in Uzbekistan

WCO Enhances Postclearance Audits in Uzbekistan

Under the WCO's global trade facilitation project, the World Customs Organization (WCO) provided Post Clearance Audit (PCA) technical assistance to the State Customs Committee (SCC) of Uzbekistan. Through remote guidance, simulations, and process optimization recommendations, the assistance aimed to enhance Uzbekistan's PCA capabilities, strengthen trade compliance management, and promote economic development. This support deepened Uzbekistan's understanding of the PCA process, identified areas for improvement, and laid the groundwork for developing customs procedures. The project is expected to significantly improve trade efficiency and security.

Global Customs Code Update Targets Plastic Waste by 2028

Global Customs Code Update Targets Plastic Waste by 2028

The 2028 edition of the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System (HS) introduces more specific subheadings for plastic articles, enhancing the identification of particular plastic products, including environmentally sensitive polymers, expanded polystyrene articles, and single-use plastics. This will facilitate customs data collection, assisting governments in developing more effective policies to control plastic pollution and promote a circular economy and environmental sustainability. The refined HS codes will enable better tracking of plastic trade flows and inform targeted interventions to reduce plastic waste.

Madagascar Customs Adopts Competencybased HR System

Madagascar Customs Adopts Competencybased HR System

With support from the WCO and UK HMRC, Madagascar Customs is implementing a competency-based modern Human Resource Management system upgrade project. Through expert guidance, tool development, and capacity building, the project aims to build a transparent and efficient HRM system to address challenges and seize opportunities, ultimately improving customs service levels. Progress includes refining the job directory, competency framework, and job descriptions, as well as developing a detailed implementation roadmap. The project is a key step towards modernizing Madagascar Customs' HR practices.

Lithuanias iauliai County Expands Ecommerce Growth

Lithuanias iauliai County Expands Ecommerce Growth

Šiauliai County, Lithuania, is an emerging market for cross-border e-commerce in Central and Eastern Europe, boasting abundant natural resources and unique products, with rapid economic diversification. The expanding e-commerce scale presents excellent opportunities for cross-border sellers. Understanding the local culture, laws, and market characteristics, and developing precise marketing strategies, will help merchants successfully tap into this promising region. This area offers a unique entry point into the Baltic region for e-commerce businesses looking to expand their reach.