WCO Explores Global Trade Facilitation Efforts

WCO Explores Global Trade Facilitation Efforts

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Secretariat is a key player in global trade, responsible for strategic planning, technical support, capacity building, and international standard setting. Composed of the Policy and Standards Directorate and the Implementation and Capacity Building Directorate, the Secretariat enhances global trade efficiency by simplifying customs procedures, promoting information technology applications, and strengthening international cooperation. It contributes to building a more open, inclusive, and sustainable global trading system. Its work is vital for facilitating legitimate trade and ensuring a secure and predictable international trade environment.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Hangzhous Ecommerce Park Fuels Global Trade Growth

Hangzhous Ecommerce Park Fuels Global Trade Growth

The China (Hangzhou) Cross-border E-commerce Comprehensive Pilot Zone · Xiaoshan Development Zone Industrial Park is committed to building a benchmark industrial park for cross-border e-commerce. Through industrial agglomeration, service upgrades, and talent cultivation, the park has incubated over 500 enterprises, constructing a complete industry chain loop. It provides comprehensive support to businesses, contributing to the high-quality development of cross-border e-commerce in Hangzhou. The park aims to create a "Hangzhou model" for cross-border e-commerce ecosystem parks in the future.

02/12/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Guatemala Strengthens Customs Oversight for Tax Reform

Guatemala Strengthens Customs Oversight for Tax Reform

The Superintendency of Tax Administration of Guatemala, with SECO-WCO support, held a leadership and management development workshop for senior managers. The aim was to enhance the skills of customs managers, promote the modernization of the customs system, facilitate trade, increase tax revenue, and improve international competitiveness. The WCO's Leadership and Management Development Programme makes a significant contribution to the development of customs systems worldwide. The workshop emphasized strategic thinking and effective implementation of customs reforms, ultimately fostering a more efficient and transparent trade environment.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Madagascar Boosts Tax Efficiency with Talent System Upgrade

Madagascar Boosts Tax Efficiency with Talent System Upgrade

The Madagascar Revenue Authority (MRA) is modernizing its human resource management system through a competency-based approach in collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO). This project aims to enhance the professional skills of tax officials, optimize HR processes, and ultimately improve tax efficiency and promote economic development. The WCO will continue to provide capacity-building support to help the MRA achieve its modernization goals. The focus is on building a skilled and efficient workforce to improve revenue collection and contribute to Madagascar's economic growth.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Launches New Framework for Sustainable Customs Modernization

WCO Launches New Framework for Sustainable Customs Modernization

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.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO and SECO Enhance Latin American Trade Via GTFP Initiative

WCO and SECO Enhance Latin American Trade Via GTFP Initiative

The WCO participated in a Latin American trade facilitation event, promoting trade facilitation initiatives. The meeting focused on digitalization and risk management, emphasizing strategic planning and inter-agency cooperation. The WCO reaffirmed its commitment to supporting trade development in the region. Discussions included the importance of streamlined customs procedures and the implementation of international standards to reduce trade barriers and enhance economic growth. The WCO will continue to provide technical assistance and capacity building to support Latin American countries in their trade facilitation efforts.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Sierra Leone Modernizes Tax System to Increase Revenue

Sierra Leone Modernizes Tax System to Increase Revenue

With support from the World Customs Organization (WCO), the National Revenue Authority (NRA) of Sierra Leone has initiated a modernization upgrade of its human resource system. This project aims to build a scientific, standardized, and efficient human resource management system by introducing a competency-based HRM approach. The goal is to cultivate a high-quality, professional tax workforce, providing a strong impetus for national tax revenue and economic development. This upgrade focuses on improving talent and skills within the NRA to enhance its overall capacity.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Uzbekistan Streamlines Customs to Enhance Trade Efficiency

Uzbekistan Streamlines Customs to Enhance Trade Efficiency

Uzbekistan hosted a workshop on customs strategic planning to enhance management capabilities and promote trade facilitation. The workshop aimed to improve customs efficiency and effectiveness through strategic planning and performance evaluation. The Global Trade Facilitation program provided support for the event. The initiative underscores Uzbekistan's commitment to streamlining customs procedures, reducing trade barriers, and fostering a more competitive business environment. Ultimately, this leads to increased trade volume and economic growth. The focus on strategic planning and performance evaluation ensures sustainable improvements in customs administration.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Philippine Customs Enhances Trade Via WCO Partnership

Philippine Customs Enhances Trade Via WCO Partnership

The World Customs Organization (WCO) assists the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in the Philippines to improve customs clearance efficiency. Through measures such as Time Release Study (TRS) and Immediate Release Guidelines, processes are optimized and inter-agency collaboration is promoted. This aims to implement the World Trade Organization (WTO)'s Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), unlock the Philippines' trade potential, and drive economic growth. The WCO's support focuses on streamlining procedures and fostering cooperation to enhance the BOC's effectiveness and contribute to the country's overall economic prosperity.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Saudi Arabias Address System to Transform Logistics by 2026

Saudi Arabias Address System to Transform Logistics by 2026

Saudi Arabia will mandate the National Address system starting in 2026, aiming to improve logistics efficiency, optimize living experiences, and support urban development through standardized address formats. The system comprises six parts: building number, street name, district name, city, postal code, and additional number. Registration is simple. Its implementation will accelerate Saudi Arabia's digital transformation, strengthen security and emergency response, and boost e-commerce and logistics sector growth. This initiative is a key component of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, fostering a more connected and efficient society.

02/03/2026 Logistics
Read More