WCO Workshop in Baku Boosts Customs Evidence Collection

WCO Workshop in Baku Boosts Customs Evidence Collection

The 2nd WCO COPES Regional Workshop was held in Baku, Azerbaijan, aiming to enhance evidence collection capabilities of customs administrations in the region to combat transnational crime. Through interactive training and experience sharing, the workshop strengthened the professional skills of customs officials from various countries and laid the foundation for future international cooperation. The COPES project will continue to strengthen international cooperation, focus on emerging forms of crime, and contribute to building a safer world.

Guinea Boosts Trade Efficiency with Stakeholder Partnerships

Guinea Boosts Trade Efficiency with Stakeholder Partnerships

With support from the Swedish-funded WACAM project, Guinea, in collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the World Bank, has strengthened communication among stakeholders in trade facilitation. Through training initiatives and the establishment of a port advisory committee in Conakry, the aim is to improve customs efficiency and promote collaboration among all parties. This effort seeks to enhance the implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) and foster Guinea's international trade development.

Gambia Revenue Authority Adopts Strategic Dashboard for Performance Management

Gambia Revenue Authority Adopts Strategic Dashboard for Performance Management

With support from the World Customs Organization-West and Central Africa Capacity Building Project, The Gambia Revenue Authority has launched the development of a strategic dashboard to improve performance management. By identifying key performance indicators (KPIs) and establishing monitoring mechanisms, the dashboard will provide senior management with an overview of organizational performance, facilitating decision-making and organizational development. This initiative represents a significant step for The Gambia in advancing modern tax administration.

Algeria Studies Dutch Customs Labs to Enhance African Trade

Algeria Studies Dutch Customs Labs to Enhance African Trade

Algerian customs experts visited the Netherlands to study customs laboratories, aiming to learn advanced practices for building a modern laboratory in their country. This visit is part of the EU-World Customs Organization HS-Africa project, which focuses on improving customs management and promoting trade facilitation in Africa. The study tour covered laboratory design, technical equipment, workflow, and tariff classification. The insights gained will provide valuable references for the construction of the Algerian customs laboratory.

Lima Airport Expansion Nears Completion Eyes South American Hub Status

Lima Airport Expansion Nears Completion Eyes South American Hub Status

The Peruvian government has rejected a request to modify the Lima airport expansion plan, insisting on the original design. This aims to increase airport capacity, improve service quality, and enhance technological capabilities. The project seeks to reposition Peru as a leading aviation hub in South America and stimulate national economic growth. This decision has received support from the airport operator and users, who see it as crucial for future development and connectivity.

Construction Firms Tackle Soaring Costs Amid Supply Chain Crisis

Construction Firms Tackle Soaring Costs Amid Supply Chain Crisis

The construction industry is grappling with soaring raw material prices. Multiple factors, including the pandemic, supply chain bottlenecks, trade policies, and natural disasters, have caused significant price increases in key construction materials like steel and lumber, impacting project costs and timelines. Construction companies should adopt strategies such as material substitution, shortening bid validity periods, and negotiating contract terms. Embracing innovative technologies like lean construction and prefabricated building is also crucial to navigate this 'cost winter'.

Nicaragua Boosts Trade Efficiency with Customs Reforms

Nicaragua Boosts Trade Efficiency with Customs Reforms

Nicaragua, with the support of the World Customs Organization, hosted a Time Release Study (TRS) workshop. The aim was to identify and address trade bottlenecks through the TRS methodology, thereby improving customs clearance efficiency. This event is part of the WCO-Norwegian Development Cooperation Agency's Customs Capacity Building Project and complements Nicaragua's Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) pilot program. Both initiatives are dedicated to enhancing supply chain security and efficiency, ultimately promoting trade facilitation.

WCO and UNCTAD Partner to Enhance Ghanas Trade Facilitation

WCO and UNCTAD Partner to Enhance Ghanas Trade Facilitation

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and UNCTAD are jointly empowering trade facilitation in Ghana through capacity-building workshops, experience sharing, and project proposal preparation. This initiative aims to help Ghana simplify trade procedures and improve trade efficiency. Funded by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), the collaboration supports Ghana's economic development and its ambition to become a regional trade hub. The focus is on streamlining processes and enhancing Ghana's ability to participate effectively in global trade.

Swiss SECO WCO Collaborate to Boost Global Trade Efficiency

Swiss SECO WCO Collaborate to Boost Global Trade Efficiency

The Swiss SECO, in collaboration with the WCO, has launched the "Global Trade Facilitation Programme" with an investment of 5.5 million Swiss francs. This initiative aims to enhance trade competitiveness and integration into the global economy for developing and transition countries, fostering sustainable development. The programme focuses on organizational capacity building, technical assistance, and WCO capacity building support. Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, and Uzbekistan are among the first countries to benefit from this project.

WCO Backs Gambias Customs Reform for West African Leadership

WCO Backs Gambias Customs Reform for West African Leadership

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through the WACAM project, is assisting the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) in building a competency-based human resource management system. Through expert consultations and institutionalization efforts, the GRA is expected to become a benchmark for human resource management in West Africa, offering valuable lessons for other developing countries. This initiative aims to strengthen the GRA's capabilities and contribute to its overall effectiveness and efficiency in customs administration.