The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with the Eswatini Revenue Service, launched a training evaluation pilot project to enhance the efficiency of customs officers. The project utilizes a five-level evaluation model to quantify training effectiveness, identify areas for improvement, optimize resource allocation, and promote best practices. The results of the pilot will be shared with WCO members in February 2022.
The 19th Heads of Asia/Pacific WCO Regional Training Centers (RTCs) Meeting focused on the challenges and opportunities of remote training under the pandemic. Centers shared experiences and discussed key initiatives like digital transformation, international cooperation, talent development, and data analysis. The aim was to strengthen regional cooperation, enhance customs capacity, and collectively respond to the rapidly changing international trade environment. The meeting underscored the importance of adapting training methodologies and fostering collaboration to ensure effective customs operations in the new normal.
The SECO-WCO GTFP supports the IMF's advanced course on tax and customs administration, aiming to enhance the strategic planning and risk management capabilities of tax and customs officials in the Americas, enabling them to address new trends in international trade. This course, a collaborative effort, provides a comprehensive learning experience and emphasizes the importance of customs and tax administration for national competitiveness, ultimately promoting sustainable economic development. It equips officials with the tools to improve efficiency and effectiveness in their respective fields.
Under the cooperation of the World Customs Organization and China Customs, Qingdao successfully hosted the Asia-Pacific Regional Customs Laboratory Affairs Workshop. The aim was to enhance the professional capabilities of customs laboratories in the region and promote trade facilitation and compliance. The workshop covered topics such as commodity classification, analytical techniques, and laboratory management, and included field visits. It strengthened regional cooperation and laid the foundation for future development. The event fostered collaboration and knowledge sharing among participating customs administrations.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a leadership and management development workshop for senior management of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to enhance their leadership and change management capabilities. The workshop covered topics such as leadership, integrity, and communication, providing a platform for open discussions and skills assessment. The Comptroller General of NCS shared experiences and emphasized the project's importance. The WCO will continue to deepen cooperation with the NCS to promote the development of the Nigerian customs service.
Palau hosted a WCO tariff classification workshop to enhance customs officials' skills and promote trade facilitation. Through international cooperation, Palau Customs will better align with international standards, contributing to national development goals. This event offers valuable lessons for other developing countries, emphasizing the importance of strengthening customs capacity building. The training aims to improve the accuracy and efficiency of tariff classification, reducing delays and costs associated with international trade. Ultimately, this contributes to a more streamlined and competitive trade environment for Palau.
Palau, with support from the WCO and the Japan Customs Cooperation Fund, successfully hosted a National Harmonized System (HS) Workshop. The aim was to enhance the tariff classification skills of customs officials, facilitating trade and promoting customs modernization. This event marks a significant step for Palau in integrating into global trade and achieving sustainable economic development. The workshop underscores the importance of accurate tariff classification for efficient customs procedures and compliance with international standards, ultimately benefiting Palau's economic growth and trade competitiveness.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) has launched a new paradigm for capacity building, emphasizing shared responsibility and results-orientation. This approach aims to ensure that capacity building support translates into sustainable improvements and fosters institutional transformation through precise needs assessments, blended learning, and effective impact evaluations. Experts are calling for the utilization of WCO assessment tools to overcome data challenges and collaboratively address issues within capacity building. The goal is to ensure capacity building efforts lead to tangible and lasting positive change within customs administrations.
Mozambique hosted a workshop to enhance the capacity of customs and environmental ministry officials in implementing environmental conventions. The workshop emphasized the crucial role of customs in addressing climate change and enforcing regulations related to environmental protection. Participants learned about international agreements, best practices in customs enforcement, and strategies for combating illegal trade in endangered species and other environmentally sensitive goods. The initiative aims to strengthen Mozambique's ability to meet its environmental obligations and contribute to global efforts in tackling climate change.
Eswatini Customs is upgrading its Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program to enhance trade security and efficiency, fostering economic growth. With the support of the WCO, through workshops, technical assistance, and inter-agency cooperation, Eswatini Customs is committed to creating a more efficient and accessible trade environment. This initiative aims to attract investment and integrate the country further into the global economy. The upgraded AEO program is a key component of their modernization efforts, streamlining processes and improving compliance.
