Asiapacific Customs Centers Adopt Digital Tools Amid Pandemic

Asiapacific Customs Centers Adopt Digital Tools Amid Pandemic

The 19th Heads of Asia/Pacific WCO Regional Training Centers (RTCs) Meeting focused on the challenges and opportunities of remote training under the pandemic. Centers shared experiences and discussed key initiatives like digital transformation, international cooperation, talent development, and data analysis. The aim was to strengthen regional cooperation, enhance customs capacity, and collectively respond to the rapidly changing international trade environment. The meeting underscored the importance of adapting training methodologies and fostering collaboration to ensure effective customs operations in the new normal.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Asiapacific Customs Labs Boost Trade Efficiency Via Training

Asiapacific Customs Labs Boost Trade Efficiency Via Training

Under the cooperation of the World Customs Organization and China Customs, Qingdao successfully hosted the Asia-Pacific Regional Customs Laboratory Affairs Workshop. The aim was to enhance the professional capabilities of customs laboratories in the region and promote trade facilitation and compliance. The workshop covered topics such as commodity classification, analytical techniques, and laboratory management, and included field visits. It strengthened regional cooperation and laid the foundation for future development. The event fostered collaboration and knowledge sharing among participating customs administrations.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCOWACAM Project Boosts Customs HRM in West and Central Africa

WCOWACAM Project Boosts Customs HRM in West and Central Africa

WCO, in collaboration with WACAM, is developing customs HRM experts in West and Central Africa to enhance management capabilities. Through training and practical exercises, the initiative aims to build a regional think tank, fostering customs modernization. This partnership strengthens regional cooperation and promotes efficient customs practices, ultimately contributing to improved trade facilitation and economic development within the region. The focus is on equipping customs officials with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage human resources and implement modern customs procedures.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Asiapacific Customs Chiefs Meet in Shanghai to Boost Regional Cooperation

Asiapacific Customs Chiefs Meet in Shanghai to Boost Regional Cooperation

The 2018 Asia Pacific World Customs Organization Regional Training Center Heads Meeting was held in Shanghai, focusing on customs capacity building. Discussions centered on e-learning, training strategy implementation, seminar benefit optimization, and strengthening RTC functions. The meeting fostered regional cooperation, clarified the direction of capacity building, promoted the implementation of the WCO training strategy, and enhanced the international influence of Asia Pacific Customs. It emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to improve customs practices and facilitate trade within the region.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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MENA Customs Enhances Regional Ties to Spur Economic Growth

MENA Customs Enhances Regional Ties to Spur Economic Growth

The inaugural meeting of the MENA Customs Resource Mobilization Working Group was successfully held in Bahrain. The meeting focused on enhancing regional customs administration capabilities, promoting trade facilitation, and fostering economic integration. Participants discussed strategies for resource mobilization to support customs modernization and efficiency improvements. The initiative aims to strengthen customs cooperation within the MENA region, contributing to sustainable economic growth and regional stability. Key topics included best practices in revenue collection, risk management, and the use of technology in customs operations.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Pacific Islands Boost Customs Skills Via WCO Training

Pacific Islands Boost Customs Skills Via WCO Training

The World Customs Organization (WCO) launched the Harmonized System (HS) Classification Master Trainer Program for Pacific Island Countries, aiming to enhance their HS coding capabilities by developing a pool of regional experts. The inaugural working group event brought together experts from various countries to share experiences and discuss development strategies, laying the foundation for trade facilitation in the Pacific Island region. This initiative is crucial for improving customs efficiency and ensuring accurate tariff application, ultimately contributing to economic growth and regional integration.

01/19/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Gwadar Airport Strategic Hub and Connectivity Key

Gwadar Airport Strategic Hub and Connectivity Key

This article provides an in-depth analysis of Gwadar International Airport's codes, GWD and OPGD, and elaborates on its strategic significance as a crucial hub within the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The airport's construction not only enhances Gwadar's international connectivity, promoting trade and investment, but also drives local economic development. It is expected to become a regional aviation hub in the future, facilitating increased passenger and cargo traffic and further solidifying Gwadar's position as a key node in regional connectivity.

01/22/2026 Airport Codes
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Ethiopia Boosts Customs Efficiency with WCO Audit Program

Ethiopia Boosts Customs Efficiency with WCO Audit Program

A WCO assessment report highlights challenges faced by Ethiopia's Post Clearance Audit (PCA). Recommendations include strengthening legal frameworks, improving risk management practices, and enhancing IT infrastructure. These improvements aim to increase the efficiency of customs control and facilitate trade. Addressing these areas is crucial for Ethiopia to optimize its customs operations and contribute to regional and global trade competitiveness. Successful implementation will require sustained commitment and strategic resource allocation.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Eswatini Boosts Customs Audits Via WCO Mercator Program

Eswatini Boosts Customs Audits Via WCO Mercator Program

A WCO Mercator Programme diagnostic of Eswatini Customs' PCA aimed to enhance risk management and trade compliance. The assessment recommended improvements to balance control and facilitation, ultimately promoting economic development. The findings highlighted areas for optimization in PCA processes, focusing on data analysis and risk profiling to improve efficiency and effectiveness. This will contribute to a more streamlined and secure trade environment, fostering economic growth and regional integration for Eswatini.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Moldova Boosts Trade Via Mercator Program WTO Deal

Moldova Boosts Trade Via Mercator Program WTO Deal

Moldova, with support from Switzerland and the WCO, has launched the "Mercator Program" to streamline customs procedures, improve trade efficiency, and foster economic growth and regional cooperation. The initiative aims to reduce trade barriers, simplify documentation, and enhance transparency in cross-border trade. By implementing modern customs practices and technologies, Moldova seeks to boost its competitiveness and integrate further into the global economy. The Mercator Program is expected to contribute significantly to Moldova's economic development and strengthen its position as a reliable trading partner.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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