Shandong Port Group and Yunnan Province are deepening supply chain cooperation by hosting a promotion conference that facilitates resource integration from multiple parties. They aim to provide a one-stop service solution to support regional economic development and trade facilitation, thereby initiating a new model of cooperation between the two sides.
The 20th Meeting of Heads of WCO Regional Training Centers in Asia Pacific was held in Bangkok, Thailand. The meeting focused on empowering and strengthening regional cooperation through VR technology to enhance customs capacity building and promote regional customs modernization. The importance of impact assessment in capacity building was emphasized. The meeting also explored the challenges and future development directions of customs training under the pandemic, aiming to build a safer and more efficient regional trade environment.
With support from the Sida-WCO program, Zambia and Botswana are advancing customs system interconnectivity and data exchange. This initiative aims to improve customs clearance efficiency and promote regional integration. By linking their customs systems, both countries seek to streamline trade processes, reduce delays, and enhance transparency. The improved data exchange will also contribute to better risk management and security. This collaboration highlights the importance of regional cooperation in facilitating trade and fostering economic growth.
The Secretary General of the World Customs Organization visited Saint Lucia, meeting with Saint Lucia Customs, the Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council (CCLEC), and government officials. Discussions focused on the trade challenges and opportunities facing small island economies in the Caribbean region. The visit emphasized the importance of customs reform and regional cooperation. The Secretary General also conducted field visits to observe customs operations, with the aim of promoting regional trade facilitation and security. The overall goal is to enhance trade efficiency and security within the Caribbean.
With policy support, the China-Europe Railway Express and the New Western Land-Sea Corridor have successfully promoted the development of corridor economies. By innovating customs clearance models and enhancing import trade capabilities, these initiatives have fostered international trade cooperation, which will further drive regional economic integration and growth in the future.
The 32nd WCO Asia-Pacific Regional Contact Points Meeting was held in Australia, focusing on regional cooperation, strategic planning, and WCO policy updates. The meeting highlighted the importance of data strategy, green customs, and technology application. The aim is to strengthen customs cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region, address global challenges, and promote trade security and facilitation. Discussions centered around enhancing information sharing, capacity building, and the implementation of international standards to improve efficiency and effectiveness in customs operations across the region.
Shah Amanat International Airport, located 20 kilometers west of Chittagong, is the second-largest airport in Bangladesh. Since its establishment in the 1940s, the airport has undergone several name changes and is now named after an Islamic saint. It features a 2,940-meter runway, as well as passenger and cargo terminals, handling around 1.5 million travelers and processing 6,000 tons of cargo annually. The airport aims to enhance regional air transport and economic development.
Badger International Airport (IATA: BDE) is located in Minnesota and primarily serves general aviation. Covering 364 acres, it features a 1,676-meter runway and handles approximately 13,000 aircraft movements annually. Although it has limited commercial flights, the airport plays a crucial role in regional transportation and contributes to the economic development of the surrounding area.
Xiamen Port, Tianjin Port, and Zhonggu Shipping have signed a strategic cooperation agreement to enhance cooperation between northern and southern ports and promote the development of a trillion-yuan modern logistics industry. The three parties will focus on expanding sea-rail intermodal transport, supply chain markets, and various cooperative fields, facilitating regional economic complementarity and trade exchange.
The 2015 Liaison Office Meeting on Customs Capacity Building in West and Central Africa was held in Senegal, focusing on regional customs reform and capacity enhancement. The meeting reviewed the implementation of the strategic plan, initiated the identification of assistance needs, promoted a regional capacity-building market, and discussed key projects. Through mutual cooperation and field visits, the aim was to improve regional customs efficiency, facilitate trade, and safeguard the economic development of West and Central Africa. The meeting emphasized collaboration to strengthen customs operations and regional integration.
