Malawi Revenue Authority Adopts Competencybased HR System

Malawi Revenue Authority Adopts Competencybased HR System

With the support of the WCO and Sida-WCO TFCM Programme, the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) is actively building a competency-based human resource management system (CBHRM) to enhance organizational effectiveness. This initiative aims to improve talent selection, customize training programs, implement objective performance evaluations, and optimize career development. MRA's experience provides valuable lessons for other developing countries' tax administrations. The CBHRM framework helps MRA to strategically manage its workforce, ensuring it possesses the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively administer taxes and contribute to national development.

Tunisia Boosts Trade Efficiency with Updated Customs Training

Tunisia Boosts Trade Efficiency with Updated Customs Training

Within the framework of the EU-WCO Africa Harmonized System Programme, Tunisian Customs is strengthening national-level Harmonized System training. This aims to enhance customs officers' technical skills in commodity classification and their training abilities, building a professional team. The initiative seeks to promote trade facilitation and predictability, contributing to Tunisia's economic development. The training program focuses on improving the accuracy and efficiency of customs procedures, ultimately benefiting both traders and the national economy by ensuring consistent and correct application of the Harmonized System.

Namibia Enhances Border Systems to Improve Trade

Namibia Enhances Border Systems to Improve Trade

Namibia is actively promoting Coordinated Border Management (CBM) by establishing an inter-agency standard regulatory framework and unified data standards, aiming to reduce border delays and facilitate legitimate trade. This framework was developed in collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO) and supported by the WCO's Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme. Namibia's practice provides valuable experience for other developing countries, contributing to building a more open, efficient, and secure global trading system. The initiative focuses on streamlining procedures and enhancing cooperation between various border agencies.

Tanzania Adopts WCO Program to Enhance Trade Efficiency

Tanzania Adopts WCO Program to Enhance Trade Efficiency

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supported the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) in implementing Post Clearance Audit (PCA) through a capacity building workshop. This initiative aimed to optimize the PCA framework, enhance risk identification and analysis capabilities, and promote trade facilitation. The activity was part of the Swedish government-funded Sida-WCO TFCM Programme, designed to assist Sub-Saharan African countries in improving customs efficiency and achieving sustainable development. The workshop provided valuable training and resources to TRA officials, fostering a more streamlined and effective customs process.

WCO and Japan Launch Global Customs Training Program

WCO and Japan Launch Global Customs Training Program

The WCO-Japan Career Development Programme (CDP) is considered a prestigious training ground for customs professionals globally, aiming to enhance the expertise of customs officials from various countries and foster international cooperation. The program combines theoretical learning with practical exercises, providing participants with comprehensive career development opportunities. It contributes to global trade facilitation and security by equipping customs officers with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate complex international trade environments. The CDP plays a vital role in building capacity within customs administrations worldwide.

Bangladesh Enhances Trade Efficiency with Wcobacked Study

Bangladesh Enhances Trade Efficiency with Wcobacked Study

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) held a strategic dialogue with the National Board of Revenue (NBR) of Bangladesh in February 2021 to strengthen Bangladesh's Time Release Study (TRS) capabilities. The meeting reviewed Bangladesh Customs' TRS experience and developed a future action plan to improve clearance efficiency and promote trade facilitation. The aim is to streamline processes and reduce the time required for goods to be released from customs control, ultimately boosting trade competitiveness.

Peru Adopts Global Standards for Customs Valuation

Peru Adopts Global Standards for Customs Valuation

Supported by the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme, Peruvian Customs held a virtual forum focusing on customs valuation risk management. Participants exchanged experiences on database applications and discussed optimizing value verification procedures and public-private partnerships to combat valuation irregularities. Peruvian Customs plans to strengthen its value verification system and deepen collaboration with the private sector. The WCO will continue to provide support, enhancing transparency and predictability in cross-border trade. The forum highlighted the importance of efficient and fair customs valuation for trade facilitation.

Uzbekistan Enhances Trade Via WTO Pact with SECOWCO Backing

Uzbekistan Enhances Trade Via WTO Pact with SECOWCO Backing

The SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme continues to support Uzbekistan in implementing the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement. Through workshops and other initiatives, the program focuses on key areas such as advance rulings, risk management, and cooperation between border agencies. Uzbekistan is actively responding, dedicating efforts to process optimization and capacity building to improve trade efficiency and integrate into the global economy. The country aims to streamline procedures and enhance its capabilities to facilitate smoother and faster trade flows, ultimately boosting its economic competitiveness.

WCO Scholarship Program Trains Future Customs Leaders Worldwide

WCO Scholarship Program Trains Future Customs Leaders Worldwide

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Scholarship Programme aims to cultivate future customs leaders, promote knowledge sharing, and enhance professional pride within the customs sector. The 85th iteration brought together participants from 15 countries worldwide. Through tailored training courses, field visits, and international collaboration, the program helps participants enhance their capabilities and contribute to the development of their respective customs administrations. The success of this program relies on the support of countries like Japan, China, and South Korea. It's a key initiative for global customs cooperation and development.

Moldova Simplifies Customs to Boost Trade Emergency Aid

Moldova Simplifies Customs to Boost Trade Emergency Aid

Supported by the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme, the Moldovan Customs Service has completed follow-up tasks to optimize SOPs, aiming to enhance emergency response capabilities and expedite the clearance of relief goods. By aligning with WCO standards, a national emergency framework is being built, laying the foundation for trade facilitation. Continuous improvement and collaboration will help Moldova become a model for trade facilitation. This initiative strengthens the country's ability to handle crises and ensures the smooth flow of essential goods during emergencies.