WCO UNCTAD Aid Ghanas Trade Reforms Under Mercator Program

WCO UNCTAD Aid Ghanas Trade Reforms Under Mercator Program

The WCO and UNCTAD are supporting Ghana in enhancing its trade facilitation capabilities to implement the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, improve its trade environment, and promote economic development. Funding support is provided by the UK's HMRC. This initiative aims to streamline customs procedures, reduce trade costs, and boost Ghana's competitiveness in the global market. By strengthening institutional capacity and promoting international cooperation, the project contributes to sustainable economic growth and regional integration.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Switzerland WCO Boost Ukraine Trade Efficiency

Switzerland WCO Boost Ukraine Trade Efficiency

Switzerland, in collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO), has launched the Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) to enhance the efficiency of Ukrainian Customs and improve the business environment. Based on the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement and the WCO's Revised Kyoto Convention, the project provides technical assistance, capacity building, and resource support to help Ukraine achieve trade facilitation. This initiative aims to reduce costs for businesses, enhance competitiveness, promote foreign investment, and ultimately benefit consumers.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Boosts Lesotho Customs Modernization with Audit Reform

WCO Boosts Lesotho Customs Modernization with Audit Reform

The World Customs Organization (WCO) successfully completed a Post Clearance Audit (PCA) diagnostic mission for the Lesotho Revenue Authority (LRA). The mission aimed to assess the LRA's systems, techniques, and methodologies related to PCA and provide recommendations for improvement, enhancing the efficiency and transparency of its tax administration system. This initiative is part of the HMRC-WCO-UNCTAD collaboration project, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in promoting customs modernization in developing countries.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Ethiopia Modernizes Customs Tariffs to Meet Global Norms

Ethiopia Modernizes Customs Tariffs to Meet Global Norms

Ethiopia is accelerating the modernization of its tariff classification system to align with international standards, aiming to facilitate trade and promote economic growth. With support from the EU-WCO Africa HS Project, the Ethiopian Customs Commission is working to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and strengthen capacity building to adapt to the evolving global trade environment. This initiative seeks to simplify customs procedures, reduce trade barriers, and enhance Ethiopia's competitiveness in the international market.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Data Model Update Enhances Global Customs Efficiency

WCO Data Model Update Enhances Global Customs Efficiency

The 63rd meeting of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Data Model Project Team was successfully held, focusing on the progress of WCO Data Model V4, data maintenance request processing, and supporting the International Maritime Organization (IMO) new dataset. The meeting utilized the WCO Data Model application for the first time, improving data maintenance efficiency. The launch of WCO Data Model V4 will further enhance the standardization of customs data exchange and promote global trade facilitation.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Bangladesh Enhances Trade Efficiency Via Time Release Study

Bangladesh Enhances Trade Efficiency Via Time Release Study

GTFP assists Bangladesh's NBR in enhancing its Time Release Study (TRS) capabilities. The project aims to optimize processes, promote trade facilitation, and boost competitiveness. By streamlining procedures and reducing delays, the initiative seeks to attract investment and contribute to sustainable development in Bangladesh. The TRS improvement will provide valuable data for identifying bottlenecks in the import/export process, enabling targeted interventions and ultimately leading to a more efficient and competitive trade environment.

01/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Amazon Deploys AI and Wearables to Streamline Logistics

Amazon Deploys AI and Wearables to Streamline Logistics

Amazon introduces the Blue Jay multi-arm robotic system, Project Eluna AI operations assistant, and smart delivery glasses, aiming to enhance logistics efficiency, reduce costs, and improve customer experience. These technologies signify Amazon's continued investment in intelligent logistics and foreshadow the future direction of the logistics industry. This will drive the widespread application of robotics, artificial intelligence, and wearable devices in the logistics field, ultimately leading to a more automated and optimized supply chain.

01/08/2026 Logistics
Read More
Prologis Reports Surge in Logistics Real Estate Demand

Prologis Reports Surge in Logistics Real Estate Demand

The Prologis IBI index indicates a rebound in logistics real estate demand. Market activity recovered in Q3, with increases in net absorption, new lease signings, and project pipeline. Companies are responding to trade uncertainties by increasing supply chain investments, leading to improved utilization rates and market conditions. Vacancy rates are stabilizing in the short term, but construction is slowing, potentially accelerating rental growth. Businesses should closely monitor market dynamics and develop flexible logistics strategies.

01/08/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Prologis Report Indicates Logistics Real Estate Demand Shift

Prologis Report Indicates Logistics Real Estate Demand Shift

The Prologis IBI Index indicates a turning point for logistics real estate demand in Q3, with net absorption, new leases, and project pipeline all surpassing the 2024 average. Companies are actively addressing trade uncertainties and optimizing operational efficiency. Tightening market supply suggests a new wave of growth. This positive shift reflects increased resilience and strategic adaptation within the logistics sector, signaling a potentially stronger performance in the coming quarters despite ongoing economic challenges.

01/07/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
WCO Workshop in Baku Boosts Customs Evidence Collection

WCO Workshop in Baku Boosts Customs Evidence Collection

The 2nd WCO COPES Regional Workshop was held in Baku, Azerbaijan, aiming to enhance evidence collection capabilities of customs administrations in the region to combat transnational crime. Through interactive training and experience sharing, the workshop strengthened the professional skills of customs officials from various countries and laid the foundation for future international cooperation. The COPES project will continue to strengthen international cooperation, focus on emerging forms of crime, and contribute to building a safer world.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More