WCO Program Strengthens African Customs for Trade Growth

WCO Program Strengthens African Customs for Trade Growth

The World Customs Organization (WCO), with EU funding, held a Technical and Operational Advisor (TOA) accreditation workshop for French-speaking African countries. The aim was to enhance customs officials' skills in areas like commodity classification, origin, and valuation. Through pre-accreditation and field visit assessments, the project seeks to expand the pool of experts and facilitate regional trade. Quantitative evaluation and continuous improvement are crucial for the project's success, contributing to the upgrading of African trade. The program ultimately aims to streamline customs procedures and boost economic development within the region.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Certification Enhances Trade in Latin America

WCO Certification Enhances Trade in Latin America

The World Customs Organization successfully held a Mercator Programme Advisor certification workshop for the Spanish-speaking Americas region. The aim was to cultivate a group of high-quality MPA experts and promote the coordinated implementation of trade facilitation measures globally. This initiative helps relevant countries optimize customs clearance processes, reduce trade costs, and improve efficiency, injecting strong momentum into regional trade facilitation. The workshop focused on equipping participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively implement the WCO's Mercator Programme, ultimately contributing to streamlined trade procedures and economic growth.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Enhances Asiapacific Supply Chains Postpandemic

WCO Enhances Asiapacific Supply Chains Postpandemic

The World Customs Organization (WCO) launched the COVID-19 Project to enhance member customs' capacity to respond to pandemics and disasters. The first Asia-Pacific regional workshop focused on disaster management and supply chain continuity, fostering experience sharing and cooperation. The WCO is developing related guidelines and introducing digital procedures. Future efforts will strengthen data-driven decision-making, promote digital solutions, and deepen international cooperation to build a more resilient global supply chain. The project aims to equip customs administrations with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate future disruptions effectively.

01/27/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Lesotho South Africa Enhance Trade to Advance Afcfta

Lesotho South Africa Enhance Trade to Advance Afcfta

Lesotho and South Africa, with the support of the World Customs Organization, jointly released a Time Release Study report to optimize border management and enhance cross-border trade efficiency. Focusing on the Maseru Bridge and Ficksburg Bridge border posts, the study aims to reduce non-tariff trade barriers through coordinated border management and the implementation of one-stop service. This initiative supports the development of the African Continental Free Trade Area and promotes regional economic prosperity by streamlining processes and improving the flow of goods between the two countries.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Serbia Boosts Trade Efficiency with Datadriven Customs Reforms

Serbia Boosts Trade Efficiency with Datadriven Customs Reforms

Serbia has established a Customs-Business Round Table to enhance trade facilitation through data-driven collaboration. Supported by the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme, the initiative brings together representatives from government, chambers of commerce, and businesses to address customs operational challenges and optimize trade policies. The goal is to build a more efficient business environment. By focusing on data sharing, policy optimization, and risk prediction, Serbia aims to become a regional leader in trade facilitation. This collaborative approach is expected to streamline processes and boost economic growth.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Chile Summit Alters Asiapacific Trade Amid Uschina Tensions

Chile Summit Alters Asiapacific Trade Amid Uschina Tensions

Trade representatives from 14 nations convened in Chile to discuss the future of Asia-Pacific trade in the post-TPP era. The meeting, focusing on TPP alternatives, could become a new arena for US-China competition for economic dominance in the region. The positions and interactions of the parties will foreshadow the future Asia-Pacific trade landscape. The United States needs to re-evaluate its trade strategy to address China's growing influence. This gathering highlights the shifting dynamics and the need for strategic adaptation in the face of evolving regional power balances.

01/27/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Dockworkers Employers Resume Labor Talks Over Automation

US Dockworkers Employers Resume Labor Talks Over Automation

The International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) have resumed negotiations to avert a potential strike stemming from automation disputes. The core conflict revolves around automation's impact on employment. This analysis examines the potential effects of automation on labor demand, skill requirements, and regional economies. It proposes strategies for labor unions, employers, governments, and businesses to adopt, aiming to balance technological advancements with social equity. The goal is to navigate the challenges of automation while ensuring a fair and sustainable future for workers.

01/27/2026 Logistics
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Airline Groups Standard Luggage Plan Faces Pushback

Airline Groups Standard Luggage Plan Faces Pushback

IATA's 'Cabin OK' project, aimed at standardizing carry-on baggage sizes to improve passenger experience, was suspended due to concerns in North America. This article analyzes the reasons for the project's setback, including consumer choice, differing airline policies, and insufficient information transparency. It emphasizes the need for thorough communication, respect for consumer preferences, and consideration of regional differences in standardization efforts. Furthermore, it explores future trends like intelligent baggage management systems, aiming to provide better services for the aviation industry. The success of standardization hinges on balancing efficiency with passenger satisfaction.

01/27/2026 Airlines
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Chabahar Port Rivals Karachi As Key Afghan Trade Hub

Chabahar Port Rivals Karachi As Key Afghan Trade Hub

The Afghan Ministry of Industry and Commerce anticipates that Iran's Chabahar Port will potentially replace Pakistan's Karachi Port as Afghanistan's primary maritime outlet. Chabahar Port boasts a strategic location and offers a free trade zone for Afghan traders. The recent shipment of Indian-aided wheat from the port signals a new era for Afghan trade. This development highlights the growing importance of Chabahar Port in facilitating regional commerce and potentially reshaping the landscape of port competition in the region, offering Afghanistan a viable alternative for its import and export activities.

01/27/2026 Port Encyclopedia
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Market Research Boosts Crossborder Ecommerce Growth

Market Research Boosts Crossborder Ecommerce Growth

This article highlights the importance of market research reports in cross-border e-commerce. It emphasizes that these reports provide crucial information such as market size, regional analysis, and driving factors, enabling businesses to mitigate decision-making risks, optimize product strategies, and accurately target markets. The article also recommends the "Dashu Cross-border" research report platform and offers suggestions for effectively utilizing research reports, aiming to help cross-border e-commerce companies achieve more efficient growth. By leveraging market insights, companies can improve their competitive advantage and achieve sustainable success.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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