Gambia Advances Tax Reform with WCO to Boost West African Standards

Gambia Advances Tax Reform with WCO to Boost West African Standards

With the support of the WCO, the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) has initiated strategic management reforms aimed at enhancing organizational project management capabilities and strategic monitoring and evaluation frameworks. This collaboration aims to position the GRA as a strategic management role model in West Africa, ultimately increasing fiscal revenue and promoting economic development. The reforms focus on building internal capacity and establishing robust mechanisms for tracking progress and ensuring accountability in achieving strategic objectives. The expected outcome is a more efficient and effective revenue collection system.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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New Fuzhoukuala Lumpur Air Cargo Route Strengthens SE Asia Trade

New Fuzhoukuala Lumpur Air Cargo Route Strengthens SE Asia Trade

The Fuzhou-Kuala Lumpur international all-cargo regular air route has officially opened, with the inaugural flight fully loaded in both directions. This route fills the gap in air cargo transportation between Fuzhou and Malaysia, establishing an efficient air freight channel to meet cross-border e-commerce demands. It facilitates the entry of Southeast Asian specialty products into the Fuzhou market and injects new momentum into regional economic and trade development. The new route is expected to significantly boost trade and collaboration between the two regions.

02/03/2026 Logistics
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Shenzhens Headquarter Economy Ecommerce Boost Growth

Shenzhens Headquarter Economy Ecommerce Boost Growth

Shenzhen's "Headquarters Economy" is rapidly rising, with 207 multinational corporation headquarters recognized, attracting numerous Fortune Global 500 companies and industry leaders. Simultaneously, cross-border e-commerce is booming, projected to exceed one trillion yuan in online transaction volume by 2025. Shenzhen is consolidating its foreign trade advantages and supporting companies to expand overseas by optimizing the business environment and innovating service models, driving high-quality economic development. The city aims to further enhance its position as a key hub for international trade and investment.

02/03/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Results Carloads Up Intermodal Down

US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Results Carloads Up Intermodal Down

For the week ending November 8, 2025, US rail freight presented a mixed picture: carload traffic saw a slight increase, while intermodal traffic declined. Year-to-date figures indicate overall growth, but future development faces both opportunities and challenges. These are influenced by various factors including the macroeconomic environment, industry structure, and global trade. The fluctuations highlight the sensitivity of rail freight to broader economic trends and the ongoing evolution of supply chain dynamics. Further analysis is needed to understand the underlying drivers and predict future performance.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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Zambia Adopts Digital Customs System to Speed Air Cargo Clearance

Zambia Adopts Digital Customs System to Speed Air Cargo Clearance

With the support of the WCO, Zambia Customs is accelerating its digital transformation of air cargo clearance, optimizing clearance processes, and improving efficiency while reducing costs. By collaborating with various stakeholders, Zambia is expected to achieve a significant digital leap in air cargo clearance in 2023. This advancement aims to promote trade growth and economic development by streamlining customs procedures and minimizing delays. The digitalization initiative is a key component of Zambia's broader efforts to modernize its customs operations and enhance its competitiveness in the global market.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Central America Adopts Revised Kyoto Convention to Streamline Trade

Central America Adopts Revised Kyoto Convention to Streamline Trade

The SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) supports Central American countries in implementing the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC), aiming to simplify customs procedures, improve clearance efficiency, and reduce trade costs. Through regional workshops, countries completed self-assessments and developed implementation roadmaps, paving the way for eventual accession to the RKC. This initiative promotes regional trade integration and economic development by streamlining customs processes and fostering greater cooperation among participating nations. The focus is on reducing barriers to trade and enhancing the competitiveness of the region.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WTO and WCO Boost Trade Facilitation for Pandemic Recovery

WTO and WCO Boost Trade Facilitation for Pandemic Recovery

The WCO actively participates in WTO trade facilitation efforts, sharing pandemic response measures to help members promote cross-border trade. Moving forward, the WCO will continue to advance trade facilitation initiatives. It has been instrumental in providing guidance and best practices to its members, enabling them to navigate the challenges posed by the pandemic and maintain essential trade flows. The WCO remains committed to supporting its members in their efforts to streamline customs procedures and reduce trade costs, ultimately fostering economic growth and development.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Kenya Boosts Trade Efficiency with Wcobacked Customs Program

Kenya Boosts Trade Efficiency with Wcobacked Customs Program

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted an AEO awareness campaign for the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and its partner agencies. The initiative aimed to disseminate AEO knowledge, share best practices, promote mutual recognition, and plan for future development. By deeply analyzing the WCO SAFE Framework, strengthening risk management principles, and designing a mutual recognition framework, the campaign supports Kenyan Customs in creating an efficient and secure international trade environment and enhancing its international competitiveness. This initiative is crucial for Kenya's trade facilitation efforts and global economic integration.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Sierra Leones NRA Enhances Talent Management for Tax Efficiency

Sierra Leones NRA Enhances Talent Management for Tax Efficiency

The National Revenue Authority (NRA) of Sierra Leone, with support from the World Customs Organization (WCO), launched a Human Resources Modernization Upgrade Program. This initiative aims to build a professional and efficient tax workforce by establishing a competency-based HR system, ultimately improving tax collection efficiency, optimizing the business environment, and contributing to national economic development. The program includes components such as diagnostic assessments, capacity building initiatives, and regional cooperation. It provides valuable experience for other developing countries' tax agencies seeking to modernize their HR practices.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Thailandshanghai Sea Route Boosts Chinasoutheast Asia Trade

Thailandshanghai Sea Route Boosts Chinasoutheast Asia Trade

The Thailand-Shanghai maritime shipping route serves as a crucial logistics channel connecting Southeast Asia and China, fostering trade between the two regions. Characterized by its large capacity, cost-effectiveness, and reliability, this route primarily transports goods such as electronics, agricultural products, and auto parts. Looking ahead, with the deepening of regional economic development, the route is poised for greater opportunities in areas such as route optimization, service upgrades, and technological innovation. This will further enhance its role in facilitating efficient and reliable cross-border trade.

02/06/2026 Logistics
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