Bolivia Boosts Trade Efficiency with WTO Mercator Program

Bolivia Boosts Trade Efficiency with WTO Mercator Program

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through the Mercator Programme, provides follow-up strategic planning support to the Bolivian National Customs Administration (AN). This aims to assist AN in developing a multi-year strategic plan to enhance customs effectiveness and promote trade facilitation. This online workshop assessed the progress of AN's strategic plan development. WCO experts provided professional guidance, optimizing key performance indicators to support the modernization of Bolivian customs and contribute to national economic development.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Backs Timorleste in Customs Training Strategy Development

WCO Backs Timorleste in Customs Training Strategy Development

The World Customs Organization (WCO) provided technical assistance to Timor-Leste Customs, helping to develop a training strategy and plan for 2017-2019. This initiative aimed to comprehensively enhance the professional skills of customs officers, build a robust internal training center, promote customs modernization, and improve Timor-Leste's trade environment. The project is part of the WCO-Norway Customs Capacity Building Programme, which covers several developing countries and aims to improve their customs administration.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Asiapacific Customs Enhance Remote Training Through Regional Collaboration

Asiapacific Customs Enhance Remote Training Through Regional Collaboration

The 19th Heads of WCO Regional Training Centers in Asia Pacific Conference focused on customs capacity building under the pandemic, exploring distance learning strategies, professional development, and data analytics applications. Various centers shared their experiences, emphasizing collaboration to jointly address challenges and promote customs modernization in the Asia-Pacific region. The meeting highlighted the importance of adapting training methods and leveraging technology to ensure continued professional development for customs officers during and after the pandemic.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Bolivia Enhances Trade Efficiency Through Global Program

Bolivia Enhances Trade Efficiency Through Global Program

The Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) has been launched in Bolivia to enhance customs modernization through capacity building. Funded by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and implemented by the World Customs Organization (WCO), the project covers areas such as risk management, advance rulings, and organizational development. A tripartite Memorandum of Understanding ensures the project's smooth implementation. This initiative aims to help Bolivia better comply with international trade agreements and promote economic development.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Ethiopia Modernizes Customs Tariffs to Meet Global Norms

Ethiopia Modernizes Customs Tariffs to Meet Global Norms

Ethiopia is accelerating the modernization of its tariff classification system to align with international standards, aiming to facilitate trade and promote economic growth. With support from the EU-WCO Africa HS Project, the Ethiopian Customs Commission is working to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and strengthen capacity building to adapt to the evolving global trade environment. This initiative seeks to simplify customs procedures, reduce trade barriers, and enhance Ethiopia's competitiveness in the international market.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Enhances Customs Risk Management in Americas Caribbean

WCO Enhances Customs Risk Management in Americas Caribbean

With funding from the Japan Customs Cooperation Fund, the World Customs Organization (WCO) held a pre-accreditation workshop on risk management for technical advisors in the Americas and Caribbean region in Guatemala. The workshop aimed to expand the WCO's pool of experts and enhance the risk management capabilities of member customs administrations. Participants' technical knowledge, skills, and teamwork abilities were assessed during the seminar, laying the foundation for regional customs modernization efforts.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Pledges Stronger Global Trade Cooperation in New Year

WCO Pledges Stronger Global Trade Cooperation in New Year

The Secretary General and staff of the World Customs Organization extend their New Year's greetings to member administrations and partners. They reaffirm their commitment to promoting the security and facilitation of international trade, strengthening cooperation, addressing global trade challenges, and fostering innovation and modernization within the customs domain. The WCO aims to contribute to global economic recovery and growth by enhancing trade efficiency and collaboration among its members and stakeholders in the coming year.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Madagascar Revamps HR to Strengthen Tax Revenue

Madagascar Revamps HR to Strengthen Tax Revenue

The Madagascar Revenue Authority (MRA), with support from the World Customs Organization (WCO), launched an HR modernization project. This initiative aims to enhance operational efficiency, optimize tax collection, and improve employee engagement by building a competency-based HR management system. The MRA will focus on developing a highly skilled and professional tax workforce through competency models, digital empowerment, and cultural transformation. This transformation will enable the MRA to contribute more significantly to Madagascar's economic development.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Gambia Revenue Authority Enhances Efficiency with Data Dashboards

Gambia Revenue Authority Enhances Efficiency with Data Dashboards

The Gambia Revenue Authority, with support from the World Customs Organization, is developing a strategic dashboard to enhance tax management efficiency and decision-making. This dashboard, designed to centralize key performance indicators, covers critical areas such as tax revenue, trade facilitation, and compliance management. It aims to provide management with a comprehensive overview and promote the modernization of tax administration. The dashboard will enable data-driven insights and facilitate informed strategic planning within the agency.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Eswatini Customs Modernizes Through Skills Training

Eswatini Customs Modernizes Through Skills Training

The Eswatini Revenue Authority (SRA), in collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO), undertook a people development diagnostic mission to develop a competency-based customs talent development strategy, aiming to enhance customs modernization. The SRA is committed to adopting relevant management principles and implementing a plan encompassing key elements such as competency model development, job analysis, recruitment and training, and performance management. This initiative is designed to promote trade facilitation and economic development within Eswatini.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More