Madagascar Shares Disaster Resilience Strategies Amid Crises

Madagascar Shares Disaster Resilience Strategies Amid Crises

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation and Columbia University's National Center for Disaster Preparedness (NCDP), held a workshop in Madagascar to enhance the country's capacity to respond to pandemics and natural disasters. Through the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and practical exercises, Madagascar gained valuable lessons, providing insights for other developing countries facing challenges posed by climate change. The workshop aimed to strengthen disaster preparedness and resilience through customs facilitation and international collaboration.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Moldova Advances Customs Reform with SECOWCO Aid Targets 2026 TRS

Moldova Advances Customs Reform with SECOWCO Aid Targets 2026 TRS

Moldova, with the support of the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme, held a virtual Time Release Study (TRS) workshop to assess clearance times and develop a national implementation roadmap. The goal is to complete the TRS report by January 2026, covering import and export processes, and to make it available to all stakeholders. The WCO pledged continued technical support to help Moldova improve trade facilitation and promote economic development. The TRS aims to identify bottlenecks and recommend improvements to streamline border procedures.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Niger Customs Modernizes Trade Processes with WCO Backing

Niger Customs Modernizes Trade Processes with WCO Backing

Niger Customs, with WCO support, launched an IT strategy for modernization. It involved needs analysis and strategic planning, focusing on establishing an IT department, talent development, infrastructure upgrades, and process standardization. The strategy aims to improve clearance efficiency, reduce error rates, increase revenue, and enhance services. Challenges include funding, technology, and mindset shifts, requiring international assistance and talent cultivation. The successful implementation of this IT strategy is crucial for Niger Customs to meet its modernization goals and contribute to national development.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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GRIPS Announces 20252026 Scholarship Application Guidelines

GRIPS Announces 20252026 Scholarship Application Guidelines

This article provides a comprehensive guide for applicants to the Graduate Research Program at the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) in Japan. It covers program selection, eligibility criteria, fee details, scholarship opportunities, application material preparation, timeline planning, interview preparation, and strategies for dealing with application results. The aim is to help applicants fully understand GRIPS' application process and requirements, thereby increasing their chances of successful admission. The guide offers practical advice and insights to navigate the application process effectively.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Uzbekistan Boosts Customs Audits with Maldives Expertise

Uzbekistan Boosts Customs Audits with Maldives Expertise

Supported by the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme, a delegation from Uzbekistan Customs visited the Maldives to study post-clearance audit. Through experience exchange and practical exercises, Uzbekistan learned about the Maldives' best practices in risk management and trader compliance. Adapting these practices to their own context, Uzbekistan developed reform plans to improve its national post-clearance audit system and promote trade facilitation. The visit focused on building capacity and understanding practical implementation of modern audit techniques for enhanced efficiency.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Turkmenistan Upgrades Customs System to Boost Trade Security

Turkmenistan Upgrades Customs System to Boost Trade Security

Turkmenistan Customs, in collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO), held a national workshop on risk management. The workshop aimed to assess and optimize the existing risk management system, enhancing trade security and customs clearance efficiency. It covered the WCO Risk Management Compendium, the latest tools and techniques, and the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program. In-depth discussions were held on risk assessment processes, response measures, information sharing, and cooperation. The workshop provides strong support for the modernization of Turkmenistan Customs.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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US Diesel Prices Decline After Threeweek Rise

US Diesel Prices Decline After Threeweek Rise

U.S. Energy Information Administration data shows that the U.S. national average diesel price fell for the first time in three weeks, reaching $4.539 per gallon for the week ending February 6. The article delves into key factors influencing diesel prices, including crude oil price fluctuations, seasonal demand changes, refinery capacity utilization rates, and inventory levels. It also forecasts future diesel price trends and their impact on consumers, emphasizing the importance of monitoring market dynamics and responding rationally to price volatility.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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CN Abandons CPKC Merger Amid Regulatory Challenges

CN Abandons CPKC Merger Amid Regulatory Challenges

Canadian National Railway withdrew its bid, clearing the path for the merger between Canadian Pacific Railway and Kansas City Southern. The merged CPKC railway will be the only single-owner rail network connecting the US, Mexico, and Canada, reshaping the North American rail industry landscape. However, the deal still requires regulatory and shareholder approval, facing challenges related to competition, integration, and market dynamics. The successful completion of this merger will have significant implications for trade and transportation across North America.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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Canadian Railroads Compete for Kansas City Southern in Major North American Rail Shift

Canadian Railroads Compete for Kansas City Southern in Major North American Rail Shift

Canadian National Railway (CN) and Canadian Pacific Railway (CP) competed to acquire Kansas City Southern (KCS), aiming to create a rail network connecting the three largest economies in North America. This merger not only reshaped the logistics landscape but also sparked regulatory scrutiny, shipper concerns, and discussions about industry consolidation. The final outcome will profoundly impact the future of rail transportation in North America. The bidding war and potential consolidation raised questions about competition and access for shippers across the continent.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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East Coast Port Strike Threatens Supply Chain NRF Seeks White House Aid

East Coast Port Strike Threatens Supply Chain NRF Seeks White House Aid

The National Retail Federation (NRF), leading 177 industry associations, is urgently calling on the White House to intervene in the labor negotiations between the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) to avert a potential East Coast port strike on October 1st. The threatened strike would severely disrupt the US supply chain and economy. The NRF emphasizes the need for swift White House action to facilitate an agreement between the parties and ensure the smooth flow of goods.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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