Bolivia Customs Strengthens Leadership to Boost Trade

Bolivia Customs Strengthens Leadership to Boost Trade

Bolivia Customs successfully held an executive leadership retreat through participation in the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme. The project addressed key customs strategic challenges, tailoring team-building and individual leadership development solutions. This significantly enhanced the cohesion, leadership skills, strategic planning abilities, and negotiation skills of the executive team. This initiative lays a solid foundation for Bolivia Customs to address future challenges and contributes to national trade facilitation efforts. The program aimed to improve overall effectiveness and prepare the organization for upcoming reforms.

Guatemala Customs Boosts Leadership for Modernization Efforts

Guatemala Customs Boosts Leadership for Modernization Efforts

Guatemalan Customs, with the support of SECO-WCO, held a leadership workshop to enhance the capabilities of its managers. This initiative aims to promote customs modernization and further facilitate trade. The workshop focused on developing leadership skills necessary for effective management and driving strategic improvements within the customs administration. By investing in its leadership, Guatemalan Customs seeks to streamline processes, reduce trade barriers, and ultimately contribute to economic growth and regional competitiveness. The training underscores the importance of strong leadership in achieving sustainable customs reform and trade facilitation objectives.

WCO Belgian Customs Academy Train African Officials

WCO Belgian Customs Academy Train African Officials

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Belgian Customs School (BCS) are deepening their collaboration to provide tailored training for customs officials from French-speaking African countries. This includes visits to the WCO headquarters and upgraded BCS courses, aiming to enhance their professional capabilities. This initiative intends to better serve African economic development and provide a model for global customs cooperation. The partnership underscores the commitment to strengthening customs administrations in Africa and fostering a more efficient and effective global trade environment.

WCO Launches Global Customs Disaster Response Initiative

WCO Launches Global Customs Disaster Response Initiative

The WCO's (World Customs Organization) COVID-19 Project held its first Asia-Pacific regional seminar, focusing on disaster management and supply chain continuity. Customs representatives from various countries gathered to share experiences and discuss cooperation, aiming to enhance customs' ability to respond to pandemics and similar emergencies and ensure global supply chain stability. The WCO is actively developing guidelines and promoting digital transformation within customs to build a more resilient global supply chain. The seminar highlighted the importance of collaboration and innovation in navigating the challenges posed by global crises.

Customs Agencies Enhance Efficiency Via SECOWCO Partnership

Customs Agencies Enhance Efficiency Via SECOWCO Partnership

The SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) aims to improve customs and tax administration in developing countries. Through training courses and capacity building initiatives, the GTFP helps managers master the latest management concepts and techniques to promote trade facilitation and support economic development. The program has supported customs and tax officials in numerous countries to enhance their capabilities, contributing to a more open and prosperous international trading system. This includes providing resources and expertise to modernize procedures and improve efficiency.

Burkina Faso Boosts Customs with Wcobacked Reforms

Burkina Faso Boosts Customs with Wcobacked Reforms

With support from the Japan Customs Cooperation Fund, the World Customs Organization (WCO) held a workshop in Burkina Faso to assist the country in implementing the revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) and the SAFE Framework. The workshop focused on the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program, providing practical guidance on the RKC and AEO for customs officials and private sector representatives of Burkina Faso. It also helped develop action plans to improve customs administration and promote international trade development in Burkina Faso.

Serbia Boosts Customs Modernization with WCO Support

Serbia Boosts Customs Modernization with WCO Support

With the support of the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Customs Cooperation Fund Germany (CCF Germany), Serbian Customs held a workshop on customs laboratory modernization and Harmonized System (HS) tariff management. By enhancing laboratory analysis capabilities, optimizing HS code application, and strengthening capacity building, Serbian Customs aims to promote trade facilitation, improve revenue collection, and combat smuggling, ultimately boosting its international competitiveness. This initiative reflects Serbia's commitment to aligning with international standards and improving its customs operations.

Belize Customs Boosts Training with WCO Assistance

Belize Customs Boosts Training with WCO Assistance

The World Customs Organization (WCO) assisted the Belize Customs and Excise Department (CED) in its human resources reform and modernization efforts. Through workshops, CED senior management analyzed existing strategies and business plans, developing a human resources strategy, development plan, and training calendar. These initiatives aim to enhance CED's human resources management capabilities to meet the evolving challenges of global trade and promote economic development in Belize. The collaboration underscores the importance of international cooperation in strengthening customs administrations and fostering efficient trade practices.

Revised Kyoto Convention Streamlines Global Customs Procedures

Revised Kyoto Convention Streamlines Global Customs Procedures

The 16th session of the Revised Kyoto Convention Management Committee reviewed and adopted the RKCVWG's interim report, laying the groundwork for a comprehensive review of the RKC. The meeting highlighted the crucial role of the RKC in promoting trade facilitation and called for active participation in the implementation and revision of the Convention to adapt to new global trade landscapes and challenges. The committee emphasized the need for continuous improvement and adaptation to ensure the RKC remains relevant and effective in facilitating international trade.

Ghana Customs Regains Control of Commodity Classification

Ghana Customs Regains Control of Commodity Classification

The Ghana Revenue Authority, with assistance from the World Customs Organization (WCO), is working to reclaim commodity classification rights from private inspection companies. This initiative aims to increase tax revenue, enhance customs expertise, and safeguard national economic sovereignty. The WCO provides technical and financial support through workshops and other means, assisting Ghana in establishing an autonomous and controllable tariff system. This effort serves as a model for other developing countries seeking to strengthen their customs capabilities and economic independence.