Southern Africa Enhances Customs Valuation Via WCOJICA Initiative

Southern Africa Enhances Customs Valuation Via WCOJICA Initiative

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) are jointly implementing the Customs Valuation (CV) Master Trainer Program (MTP) to create a professional and sustainable pool of CV trainers in Southern Africa. The third working group activity focused on developing training materials and enhancing practical skills. The WCO and JICA are committed to continuously supporting customs capacity building in the region, building an efficient and transparent customs valuation system, and promoting trade development.

SW Shipping Expands to Container Shipping with New Southeast Asia Route

SW Shipping Expands to Container Shipping with New Southeast Asia Route

South Korean dry bulk carrier SW Shipping plans to enter the container shipping industry by launching a Korea-Vietnam route. Driven by high profits in container shipping, this move aims to gain experience through near-sea services, with future expansion to trans-Pacific trade envisioned. Facing market challenges, SW Shipping is actively seeking financial support and developing a sound operational strategy. The company hopes to establish itself in the competitive container market through this initial regional route.

WCO Workshop Enhances Risk Management for Asiapacific Customs

WCO Workshop Enhances Risk Management for Asiapacific Customs

The WCO Asia Pacific Regional Risk Management Accreditation Workshop was successfully held in Malaysia, aiming to cultivate a group of experts proficient in risk management to support customs administrations of member countries. Through rigorous selection and systematic training, participants mastered risk management tools and enhanced their professional skills. The event emphasized the core role of data analysis in customs risk management, contributing to building a secure and efficient global trade environment. The workshop underscored the importance of proactive risk assessment and mitigation strategies for improved customs operations.

East Africa Boosts Antismuggling Efforts with WCO JICA Support

East Africa Boosts Antismuggling Efforts with WCO JICA Support

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) jointly held a workshop in Uganda to enhance customs intelligence analysis capabilities and strengthen anti-smuggling efforts in East Africa. Customs officials from various East African countries collaborated to develop post-seizure analysis training materials. Experts from the WCO and Japan Customs provided guidance to help East African customs improve their intelligence-driven risk management and combat smuggling crimes. The workshop aimed to build capacity and foster regional cooperation in tackling cross-border illicit trade.

Tanzania Adopts WCO Program to Enhance Trade Efficiency

Tanzania Adopts WCO Program to Enhance Trade Efficiency

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supported the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) in implementing Post Clearance Audit (PCA) through a capacity building workshop. This initiative aimed to optimize the PCA framework, enhance risk identification and analysis capabilities, and promote trade facilitation. The activity was part of the Swedish government-funded Sida-WCO TFCM Programme, designed to assist Sub-Saharan African countries in improving customs efficiency and achieving sustainable development. The workshop provided valuable training and resources to TRA officials, fostering a more streamlined and effective customs process.

Revised Kyoto Convention Aims to Streamline Global Trade Customs

Revised Kyoto Convention Aims to Streamline Global Trade Customs

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is promoting a comprehensive revision of the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) to simplify and harmonize customs procedures across countries. The 7th RKC Review Working Group meeting established a 'four-step framework' for the revision process and discussed revisions to rules of origin. The RKC revision presents both opportunities and challenges for import and export companies. Businesses should closely monitor progress, actively participate, and adapt to the new trade environment. This adaptation is crucial for maintaining competitiveness in the global market.

South Korea WCO Partner to Develop Global Trade Talent

South Korea WCO Partner to Develop Global Trade Talent

Korea Customs Service (KCS) signed a cooperation agreement with the World Customs Organization (WCO). Through the Korea Customs Cooperation Fund, KCS aims to provide high-level training to customs officials from other countries, sharing Korea's experiences and best practices in trade facilitation. KCS also pledged to increase its financial and human resource contributions to the WCO, assisting WCO members in implementing relevant standards and jointly promoting the advancement of global customs affairs. This collaboration underscores Korea's commitment to supporting international customs cooperation and development.

Bolivia Customs Boosts Trade with Strategic Workshop

Bolivia Customs Boosts Trade with Strategic Workshop

The WCO held a workshop in Bolivia to help its customs enhance organizational transformation capabilities, implement a new strategic plan, and promote trade facilitation and sustainable development. The workshop aimed to strengthen Bolivia's customs administration by focusing on modernizing its operations and aligning them with international best practices. This initiative is expected to improve efficiency, transparency, and compliance, ultimately contributing to economic growth and regional integration. The WCO's support underscores its commitment to assisting member countries in achieving their development goals through effective customs management.

Algeria Boosts Trade Security with Dutch Customs Lab Aid

Algeria Boosts Trade Security with Dutch Customs Lab Aid

Algerian experts visited the Netherlands to study customs laboratories, aiming to adopt best practices for building a modern customs laboratory in Algeria. The visit focused on work organization, infrastructure, and technology application, with a deep dive into the laboratory's role in tariff classification. This initiative is part of the EU-World Customs Organization (WCO) HS-Africa Programme, designed to enhance customs management in African countries, promoting trade facilitation and security. The knowledge gained will contribute to Algeria's efforts to improve its customs procedures and efficiency.

Kunmingmalaysia Rail to Spur Southeast Asian Growth

Kunmingmalaysia Rail to Spur Southeast Asian Growth

The Kunming-Malaysia High-Speed Railway, a key project of the Belt and Road Initiative, spans approximately 4,000 kilometers. It's being constructed in two sections: Kunming to Vientiane, and Vientiane to Kuala Lumpur. The project has achieved phased progress and is expected to be completed around 2030. The high-speed railway will significantly promote trade logistics, tourism growth, and industrial transfer. It will also strengthen cultural exchanges and people-to-people interactions between China and Southeast Asian countries, injecting new impetus into regional economic development and connectivity.