Maritime transport is a critical pillar of global trade, but its reliability has been increasingly challenged by factors such as the pandemic and climate change, leading to significant financial, operational, and reputational costs for shippers. This article explores the impact of this unreliability and strategies to address it, aiming to enhance the resilience and stability of supply chains.
Coupang will discontinue the registration of seller-fulfilled (SF) products. Existing SF listings will not be affected. Existing sellers with SF privileges should seize the last opportunity to list products and optimize current listings. Following the policy change, prices in SF stores are expected to decline. Sellers should proactively transition towards more standardized and efficient operational models.
Due to the pandemic, many Malaysia-China flights were canceled. While some have resumed, strict controls remain. Passengers need to provide negative PCR test results and undergo quarantine. The full resumption of flights is uncertain, as China and Malaysia will dynamically adjust entry-exit policies based on the pandemic situation. The situation is fluid and subject to change.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) and Expertise France jointly organized a gender equality workshop in Côte d'Ivoire. The workshop aimed to raise awareness of gender equality among customs and tax officials in West and Central Africa. Practical tools, such as the Gender Equality Organizational Assessment Tool (GEOAT), were introduced. The event also facilitated the exchange of experiences between countries, laying the foundation for a more equitable and inclusive customs and tax environment. The initiative underscores the importance of international collaboration in promoting gender equality within customs and taxation sectors.
Loss of Control In-flight (LOC-I) is a significant threat to aviation safety. The IATA annual safety report provides an in-depth analysis of LOC-I accidents, offering Threat and Error Management (TEM) tools and proposing accident prevention recommendations. By focusing on aircraft design, organizational management, and environmental factors, IATA is committed to collaborating with the industry to reduce LOC-I risks and improve global aviation safety levels. The report highlights the importance of proactive measures and continuous improvement in safety protocols to mitigate this critical safety concern.
Supply chain data is massive, but effective integration and utilization remain challenging. Industry leaders at Manifest 2025 emphasized breaking down information silos and advocated for embracing data integration platforms to improve data quality. They also highlighted the importance of dismantling organizational barriers, investing in data analytics talent, flexibly navigating standardization debates, and embracing AI and machine learning. A data-driven supply chain is crucial for future competitiveness. Overcoming these hurdles will unlock significant value and enable more informed and agile decision-making across the entire supply chain network.
E-commerce mid-year mega sales are approaching, with Taobao and JD.com canceling pre-sales. Xinba's live streaming privileges are expected to be reinstated. ByteDance denies selling TikTok, while Ant Group undergoes organizational upgrades. E-commerce giants are adjusting strategies, and live streaming e-commerce faces increased regulation. AI technology is empowering life services, signaling a new round of transformation in the industry. These changes reflect a dynamic market adapting to evolving consumer behaviors and technological advancements, prompting companies to innovate and refine their approaches to remain competitive.
In September 2021, SECO and WCO jointly organized a virtual forum on Gender Equality and Diversity for the Americas and the Caribbean, bringing together over 80 representatives from 24 countries. The forum aimed to promote gender equality and inclusion in customs administration. Discussions focused on work-life balance and the prevention of gender-based violence. The Spanish version of the WCO Gender Equality Organizational Assessment Tool (GEOAT) was launched. Participants agreed to integrate gender equality and diversity into the customs agenda and continue their efforts in this area.
With WCO assistance, the Sierra Leone National Revenue Authority implemented HR reforms based on a competency model. This initiative aims to optimize recruitment, training, and performance management processes. By focusing on clearly defined competencies, the reform seeks to enhance organizational effectiveness and improve the overall performance of the revenue authority. The competency model serves as a framework for developing and evaluating employees, ensuring that they possess the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively perform their duties. Ultimately, this leads to improved revenue collection and a more efficient tax system.
The Gambia Revenue Authority introduced a strategic dashboard to enhance decision-making efficiency by centrally displaying key performance indicators (KPIs) and providing managers with insights into organizational operations. Key steps in building the dashboard included defining the target audience, selecting the appropriate dashboard type, and identifying relevant KPIs and data sources. This case offers valuable lessons for various industries, emphasizing the importance of data-driven decision-making. The dashboard helps to monitor progress towards strategic goals and identify areas for improvement, ultimately leading to better tax management practices.
