Liberia Upgrades Tax Agency HR Systems with WCO Assistance

Liberia Upgrades Tax Agency HR Systems with WCO Assistance

With the support of the World Customs Organization (WCO), the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) is modernizing its Human Resource Management (HRM). This includes developing a job catalog and competency framework, as well as initiating capacity assessments and change management. Emerging as a model in West Africa, the LRA is progressing towards becoming a regional leader in HRM, offering valuable lessons for other developing nations. The modernization efforts aim to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the LRA's workforce.

West Africa Launches Electronic Trade Transit System

West Africa Launches Electronic Trade Transit System

Five West African nations are jointly developing an electronic transit system to streamline processes, reduce costs, and improve efficiency, thereby promoting regional economic integration and supporting trade facilitation agreements. This initiative aims to modernize customs procedures and enhance the movement of goods within the region, fostering economic growth and attracting investment. By leveraging technology, the system seeks to overcome existing bottlenecks and create a more predictable and transparent trade environment for businesses operating in West Africa.

WCO Program Enhances South African Tax Authority Efficiency

WCO Program Enhances South African Tax Authority Efficiency

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a Leadership and Management Development Workshop in South Africa to support the South African Revenue Service (SARS) in enhancing the capabilities of its middle managers and driving organizational reform. The workshop emphasized the importance of self-awareness, strategic management, people management, communication skills, and change management. Follow-up cooperation is planned to develop a regional center of expertise. Leadership and management development are crucial for organizational success, requiring continuous learning and practice.

WCO JICA Boost Customs Valuation Training in Southern Africa

WCO JICA Boost Customs Valuation Training in Southern Africa

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) joint project is progressing in Southern Africa. The 3rd Working Group activity of the Customs Valuation (CV) Master Trainer Programme (MTP) aimed to enhance the customs valuation capabilities of Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. The project focuses on developing a regional pool of trainers and creating training materials. This initiative seeks to promote fairness and efficiency in international trade by strengthening customs valuation expertise within the region.

ADB and WTO Partner to Enhance Global Trade Facilitation

ADB and WTO Partner to Enhance Global Trade Facilitation

The President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) visited the World Customs Organization (WCO) headquarters, engaging in in-depth discussions on the global economic situation, Sustainable Development Goals, international technical issues, regional integration, and the current trade environment. Both parties pledged to deepen cooperation to jointly address global trade challenges and promote trade facilitation. The discussions highlighted the importance of collaboration between the ADB and WCO in navigating the evolving global trade landscape and fostering sustainable economic growth.

Global Aviation Safety Trends Highlighted in IATA 2024 Report

Global Aviation Safety Trends Highlighted in IATA 2024 Report

The IATA Interactive Safety Report for 2024 reveals the global aviation safety landscape, analyzing key indicators such as accident rates and fatal risks, along with regional variations. While valuable for reference, the report has limited data for the CIS region, requiring cautious interpretation. The report aims to support decision-making for airlines, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders, ultimately enhancing global aviation safety levels. It provides insights into trends and potential areas for improvement in airline operations and safety management.

Americas Caribbean Pioneer Smart Customs Modernization

Americas Caribbean Pioneer Smart Customs Modernization

The Americas and Caribbean (AMS) region, with WCO support, is actively exploring the application of disruptive technologies like blockchain, IoT, and AI in customs. Through case studies and experience sharing, they are promoting the development of smart customs clearance, contributing to global trade facilitation. The establishment of the CLiKC! regional cooperation platform will further facilitate the sharing of technical expertise and best practices among member countries, fostering innovation and efficiency in customs operations across the region.

Kazakhstan Enhances Trade Transit with Wtobacked Customs Reforms

Kazakhstan Enhances Trade Transit with Wtobacked Customs Reforms

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held an online workshop for Kazakhstan to support the implementation of Article 11 of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, aiming to improve transit efficiency. The workshop focused on the role of the National Transit Coordinator and shared best practices. It provided support for Kazakhstan to optimize transit procedures and promote trade facilitation, strengthening its position as a transit hub in Central Asia. The initiative is expected to streamline customs processes and boost regional trade.

West and Central Africa Boost Security with Customs Network

West and Central Africa Boost Security with Customs Network

The West and Central Africa Customs Organization (WCO) enhanced the intelligence capabilities and Customs Enforcement Network (CEN) application skills of customs officers in the region through a webinar. This initiative aims to strengthen intelligence sharing and jointly combat fraud and transnational organized crime, thereby maintaining regional security and stability. The webinar focused on improving the officers' abilities to collect, analyze, and disseminate customs intelligence, ultimately contributing to a more effective and coordinated approach to law enforcement within the region.

Brazil Uruguay Agree on Mutual AEO Trade Recognition

Brazil Uruguay Agree on Mutual AEO Trade Recognition

Brazil and Uruguay signed an AEO Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) pilot program, aiming to simplify customs clearance, enhance supply chain security, and promote bilateral and regional trade facilitation through joint certification of compliant traders. This represents a significant milestone in customs cooperation between the two countries and serves as a model for global trade security and facilitation. The MRA is expected to reduce border delays and costs for certified companies, fostering greater economic integration within the region.