WCO JICA Team Up to Upgrade Customs Systems in Developing Countries

WCO JICA Team Up to Upgrade Customs Systems in Developing Countries

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed a Memorandum of Cooperation in 2015. This collaboration aims to improve customs administration in developing countries and promote economic development through capacity building, customs modernization, and trade facilitation. Both parties will deepen cooperation, innovate approaches, and jointly address new global trade dynamics. The goal is to build a more open, inclusive, and mutually beneficial global trade landscape.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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East Coast Gulf Ports Ratify Sixyear Labor Pact With Wage Increases

East Coast Gulf Ports Ratify Sixyear Labor Pact With Wage Increases

The International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) have reached a new six-year contract covering 36 ports on the US East and Gulf Coasts. The agreement includes record wage increases and automation protections, averting a potential strike, ensuring supply chain stability, and paving the way for port modernization. The efforts of all parties and the solidarity of ILA members were key to reaching the agreement.

01/22/2026 Logistics
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East Coast Gulf Ports Ratify Sixyear Labor Pact on Wages Automation

East Coast Gulf Ports Ratify Sixyear Labor Pact on Wages Automation

The International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) have signed a new six-year contract covering 36 ports on the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts. The agreement guarantees record wage increases for dockworkers and provides effective protections against automation, averting potential supply chain disruptions and laying the groundwork for port modernization. The contract was overwhelmingly approved by ILA members and welcomed by the National Retail Federation (NRF).

01/21/2026 Logistics
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Sunyani Airport Boosts Access to Ghanas Central Region

Sunyani Airport Boosts Access to Ghanas Central Region

Sunyani Airport (NYI/DGSN) is a vital airport in Ghana's Central Region, located near Sunyani. At an elevation of 1014 feet, it serves as a crucial air link connecting the region to the capital Accra and other areas, significantly contributing to local economic and tourism development. The airport is undergoing modernization and is expected to play an even greater role in the future, enhancing connectivity and facilitating growth in the region.

01/22/2026 Airport Codes
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WCO Boosts Philippine Customs to Speed Trade Reforms

WCO Boosts Philippine Customs to Speed Trade Reforms

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a leadership and management development workshop for the Bureau of Customs (BOC) Philippines. The workshop aimed to enhance strategic alignment, teamwork, and individual growth, thereby promoting trade facilitation reforms and improving trade efficiency. Focusing on key challenges, the workshop emphasized the importance of Time Release Studies. This initiative supports the BOC in achieving modernization and sustainable development within the Philippine customs administration.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Jordan Customs Boosts Efficiency Security with WCO Upgrade

Jordan Customs Boosts Efficiency Security with WCO Upgrade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) successfully piloted a new organizational risk management diagnostic tool within Jordan Customs, aiming to enhance its risk management capabilities in the face of increasingly complex international trade. Through comprehensive assessment and targeted recommendations, the WCO assisted Jordan Customs in developing an action plan to improve both clearance efficiency and security. This initiative serves as a valuable reference for the modernization efforts of other customs administrations.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Cuiab Airport Expands As Brazils Key Regional Aviation Hub

Cuiab Airport Expands As Brazils Key Regional Aviation Hub

Marshal Rondon International Airport in Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil, is a vital aviation hub that has evolved into an international airport. Continuous modernization efforts include terminal expansion, runway optimization, and service quality improvements. These upgrades aim to meet the growing passenger and cargo demands, connecting central Brazil to destinations worldwide. The airport plays a significant role in facilitating travel and trade within the region and beyond, solidifying its position as a key transportation gateway.

09/26/2025 Airport Codes
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Timorleste Updates Customs Tariff with WCO Backing

Timorleste Updates Customs Tariff with WCO Backing

At the request of Timor-Leste, the World Customs Organization (WCO), through the WCO-Norad project, provided technical assistance to support the country's tariff update from HS 2012 to HS 2017. This initiative aims to enhance Timor-Leste Customs' commodity classification capabilities, integrate into the ASEAN Economic Community, and promote trade facilitation and economic development. The project encompassed tariff assessment, gap analysis, training guidance, and system upgrades, contributing to the modernization of Timor-Leste Customs.

11/03/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Dushanbe Airport Emerges as Central Asia's Key Aviation Hub

Dushanbe Airport Emerges as Central Asia's Key Aviation Hub

Dushanbe International Airport is a key aviation hub in the capital of Tajikistan. Established in 1924, it has undergone several modernization upgrades and now serves as a military-civilian airport. The airport features a 3,100-meter runway and a modern terminal, with a capacity to handle 1.5 million passengers annually. It primarily connects major cities in Central and East Asia, serving approximately 20 airlines, thereby promoting the development of civil aviation in Tajikistan.

07/28/2025 Logistics
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Colombia Mexico Boost Customs Risk Management Via GTFP

Colombia Mexico Boost Customs Risk Management Via GTFP

Supported by the WCO-SECO GTFP project, Colombian Customs visited Mexican Customs to learn about risk management practices and enhance its modernization. The visit combined online and offline sessions, focusing on risk identification, assessment, control, departmental collaboration, and IT infrastructure. This cooperation aims to promote trade facilitation and address global trade challenges. The knowledge gained will help Colombia improve its risk management system and contribute to more efficient and secure trade processes.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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