Central America Adopts Kyoto Convention to Modernize Customs

Central America Adopts Kyoto Convention to Modernize Customs

The Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO)-World Customs Organization Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) launched an assistance program in Central America to help countries adopt the Revised Kyoto Convention, simplify customs procedures, and promote trade facilitation. Through workshops, self-assessments, and capacity building, the project will support Central America in improving customs management and integrating into the global trade system. The initiative aims to enhance efficiency and transparency in customs operations across the region.

WCO Updates Single Window Rules to Boost Global Trade

WCO Updates Single Window Rules to Boost Global Trade

The WCO has updated its Single Window Guidelines to streamline processes, support capacity building in member countries, and accelerate trade facilitation. The updated guidelines aim to provide practical guidance for implementing and optimizing Single Window systems. The WCO encourages stakeholders to contribute ideas and best practices to further enhance the guidelines and promote global trade prosperity. This initiative underscores the WCO's commitment to simplifying cross-border trade and fostering a more efficient and transparent global trading environment.

Chinamexico Trade Strategies Evolve Amid 2026 Tariff Shifts

Chinamexico Trade Strategies Evolve Amid 2026 Tariff Shifts

The report reveals a connection between China and Mexico trade, concentrated in Southeast coastal China and North-Central Mexico. Market demand drives performance, but policy risks are significant. Companies should strengthen research, optimize supply chains, and actively cooperate to address these challenges. Understanding tariff policy impacts and developing robust corporate strategies are crucial for success in this dynamic trade relationship. Further analysis of regional trade flows and specific industry sectors will provide deeper insights into the evolving dynamics of China-Mexico trade.

WCO JICA Boost Pacific Island Customs Training

WCO JICA Boost Pacific Island Customs Training

The WCO-JICA MTP project empowers Pacific Island customs administrations by developing local trainers and regional training materials to enhance customs capabilities. The third working group activity was held in Fiji, focusing on strengthening regional collaboration and ensuring sustainable capacity building within the customs administrations of the Pacific Island countries. The project aims to improve customs efficiency and effectiveness through tailored training programs and resources, ultimately contributing to economic growth and security in the region.

West Africa Security Project Emphasizes Gender Equality

West Africa Security Project Emphasizes Gender Equality

The West Africa Security Project (WASP) aims to enhance border security in West Africa by supporting partner countries in developing and implementing gender-sensitive and inclusive policies through its Gender Equality and Diversity (GED) component. Utilizing the WCO's GEOAT tool and training, the project assists customs administrations in comprehensively implementing GED across human resources, border operations, and stakeholder cooperation. This contributes significantly to security and sustainable development in the West African region.

WCO Boosts Lesotho Customs Modernization with Audit Reform

WCO Boosts Lesotho Customs Modernization with Audit Reform

The World Customs Organization (WCO) successfully completed a Post Clearance Audit (PCA) diagnostic mission for the Lesotho Revenue Authority (LRA). The mission aimed to assess the LRA's systems, techniques, and methodologies related to PCA and provide recommendations for improvement, enhancing the efficiency and transparency of its tax administration system. This initiative is part of the HMRC-WCO-UNCTAD collaboration project, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in promoting customs modernization in developing countries.

Uganda Enhances Tax Efficiency with Datadriven Customs Reform

Uganda Enhances Tax Efficiency with Datadriven Customs Reform

With the assistance of the World Customs Organization (WCO), the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) is actively exploring a data-driven approach to customs performance management. By optimizing data collection and analysis, establishing performance evaluation mechanisms, and implementing cultural change and capacity building, the URA aims to improve customs operational efficiency and optimize resource allocation. This initiative ultimately seeks to better serve Uganda's economic development. This reform practice provides valuable lessons for other developing countries.

Liberia Pilot Project Enhances Trade with Datadriven Customs

Liberia Pilot Project Enhances Trade with Datadriven Customs

An evaluation of Liberia's tariff pilot program reveals that the data-driven ASYPM system significantly improved decision-making, transparency, and tax revenue efficiency. The program's success highlights the potential of data-driven approaches to enhance customs operations and improve revenue collection in developing countries. By leveraging data analytics and performance monitoring, the system facilitated better resource allocation and reduced opportunities for corruption, ultimately leading to a more effective and accountable customs administration.

Mali Customs HR System Sets Benchmark for West Africa

Mali Customs HR System Sets Benchmark for West Africa

With the support of the World Customs Organization, Mali Customs successfully implemented a competency-based human resources management system. Through broad participation and high-level support, they optimized recruitment, training, and performance management. This experience provides a valuable reference for other developing countries, emphasizing the importance of high-level commitment, broad participation, and a gradual approach. The goal is to enhance the professionalism of the customs workforce and contribute to national economic development.

Burkina Faso Customs Boosts Project Management for Modernization

Burkina Faso Customs Boosts Project Management for Modernization

With the support of the World Customs Organization, Burkina Faso Customs successfully held a senior management training program on project management, enhancing its capacity in managing customs reform projects. This training is part of the MADAO project, aimed at modernizing African customs. Through interactive teaching and case studies, participants acquired key project management skills, ensuring the implementation of customs strategic plans. This initiative provides valuable experience for customs administrations in other developing countries.