The Port of Montevideo is a vital trade hub for Uruguay and South America, providing efficient cargo transport services due to its advantageous location and specialized port infrastructure. It handles 90% of Uruguay's imports and exports, significantly contributing to regional economic development.
The General Directorate of Customs of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) sought technical assistance from the World Customs Organization (WCO) to regain control over customs valuation, aiming to assess and enhance the capabilities of customs officers. Following a diagnostic assessment, the WCO recommended that the DRC utilize modern tools such as risk management and post-clearance audit, and supported its strategy to comply with the Niamey Declaration and the Trade Facilitation Agreement. This initiative not only improves customs valuation capacity in the DRC but also revitalizes the national economy and reshapes the trade landscape.
The Zhengou freight train expands into the markets of Central Asia, Turkey, and Luxembourg through new routes, connecting SCO member countries and enhancing international trade. By leveraging Internet + logistics and collaborating with railways in various countries, it promotes cross-border e-commerce, ensures efficient bilateral cargo transportation, and facilitates close integration between Henan and international markets, strengthening regional economic cooperation and building a new trade model.
Sponsored by the Japan Customs Cooperation Fund, Fiji hosted a sub-regional HS Harmonized System training course aimed at enhancing the commodity classification skills of customs officers from Pacific Island countries. The training emphasized practical application and communication. It recommended that countries continuously strengthen capacity building, improve classification infrastructure, introduce advance ruling systems, and enhance internal and cross-border communication to promote regional trade development. The course focused on improving skills to correctly classify goods under the HS system.
The MTP project, a joint initiative between the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has successfully developed a team of customs audit trainers and created regional training materials in East Africa. This initiative has significantly enhanced the region's customs audit capabilities, contributing to trade facilitation and regional economic development. The project's impact lies in its focus on building local expertise and providing tailored resources to address specific challenges within the East African context.
The World Customs Organization supports the Kenya Regional Training Centre in enhancing customs capacity in East and Southern Africa. This initiative aims to strengthen customs administrations through training and development programs, ultimately contributing to improved trade facilitation, revenue collection, and border security. By fostering regional cooperation and harmonization of customs procedures, the project promotes economic growth and development within the region. The WCO's support is crucial for building sustainable customs capacity and ensuring effective implementation of international standards.
The WCO-JICA MTP project focuses on developing customs trainers in Pacific Island Countries, aiming to enhance their skills in valuation and classification. This initiative contributes to improved customs administration and ultimately facilitates regional trade. Through comprehensive training programs and knowledge transfer, the project empowers local customs officials to effectively implement international standards and best practices. This leads to more efficient border procedures and a more predictable trading environment, supporting economic growth and regional integration within the Pacific region.
The 19th WCO Asia/Pacific Regional Training Center Heads Meeting was held online, focusing on the challenges and practices of distance learning under the pandemic. Participants shared experiences, discussed innovative models, and emphasized collaborative construction, aiming to enhance regional customs capacity building and respond to the new international trade environment. The meeting highlighted the importance of adapting training methodologies to effectively address the evolving needs of customs administrations in the region and ensure continued professional development despite global disruptions.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a training session in Mauritius for customs officials from French-speaking African countries. The training aimed to enhance their expertise in HS coding and customs valuation. Through theoretical learning, practical exercises, and group discussions, participants not only mastered relevant knowledge but also strengthened their awareness of regional cooperation, laying the foundation for better serving international trade in the future. The training also explored the challenges and opportunities of HS coding in regional applications.
ABF Freight System and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters reached a five-year National Master Freight Agreement, significantly improving employee wages, benefits, and working conditions. The agreement introduces paid sick leave and Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a holiday. This agreement stabilizes labor relations, injects new vitality into the logistics industry, and provides a reference for protecting labor rights amidst automation trends. It demonstrates a commitment to fair treatment and improved livelihoods for freight workers, fostering a more stable and productive environment.
