Hai Phong Port, the main seaport in northern Vietnam, is undergoing modernization to meet the growing demand for maritime transport. The new Lach Huyen port plans to add several facilities to enhance its handling capacity, thereby consolidating its significant role in regional shipping and promoting trade and economic development.
Scarborough Port is a key maritime hub on Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago, established in 1991. It features deep-water port characteristics, accommodating vessels up to 159 meters, with significant economic potential. The port facilitates regional trade and tourism development, making it an important blend of history and modernity.
The WCO assists Peruvian Customs in strategic planning, enhancing efficiency and services, and optimizing the trade environment. Peru's experience offers valuable lessons for developing countries. This collaboration focuses on streamlining customs procedures, reducing trade costs, and improving overall competitiveness. The strategic plan aims to modernize customs operations, promote compliance, and foster a more transparent and predictable trade regime. By implementing best practices and leveraging technology, Peruvian Customs seeks to facilitate legitimate trade while effectively combating illicit activities. The success of this initiative highlights the importance of international cooperation in promoting trade facilitation and economic development.
On September 25, 2023, the Dongguan Shilong officially launched the trial operation of the China-Europe Railway (Guangdong-Manzhouli-Russia), marking the opening of this international logistics channel. The train is expected to cover over 11,000 kilometers in just 15 days, linking trade between China and Russia. Since its operations began in 2013, the Shilong Logistics Center has continuously provided efficient logistical services for trade with Central Asia and Central Europe. The launch of this route will enhance the construction of the Sino-Russian trade industrial park and promote regional economic development.
The World Customs Organization (WCO), through its Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP), is assisting Uzbekistan in enhancing its customs strategic planning capabilities. This initiative aims to help the State Customs Committee (SCC) of Uzbekistan build a more efficient and intelligent customs system by developing strategic roadmaps and designing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). The goal is to embrace openness and digital transformation, improve trade facilitation, and ultimately promote national economic development. The project focuses on strengthening Uzbekistan's ability to implement modern customs practices and contribute to regional and global trade.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a workshop on organizational performance evaluation in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, aiming to enhance regional customs effectiveness. The workshop covered core topics such as strategic planning indicator design and work area planning. Qatar Customs shared their experience in business intelligence exploration. Based on WCO standards, this event assists customs administrations in the MENA region to improve management and promote regional trade development. This initiative aims to foster efficiency and collaboration within the customs community.
Cuba is actively promoting the AEO program to enhance trade facilitation and security. The World Customs Organization (WCO) provides crucial support, conducting workshops to improve Cuban Customs' capacity in AEO certification and mutual recognition arrangements. Cuba plans to fully implement the AEO program by the end of 2019 and actively seeks mutual recognition agreements with other countries. This will significantly improve Cuba's trade competitiveness and promote international trade cooperation.
In 2014, the WCO and UNCTAD Secretaries-General met in Geneva, focusing on the harmonized implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). They emphasized providing needs assessments and technical assistance based on WCO instruments to avoid implementation divergence. Discussions also covered addressing complex cross-border trade issues, improving transportation and logistics efficiency. Both parties committed to further strengthening cooperation to build an efficient and transparent global trade system.
WCO collaborated with Colombia's DIAN to enhance its customs audit capabilities through the GTFP. The WCO provided support to optimize PCA strategies and SOPs, fostering trade facilitation and economic growth. This partnership aims to improve efficiency and effectiveness in customs procedures, ultimately contributing to a more streamlined and competitive trade environment for Colombia. The collaboration highlights the importance of international cooperation in strengthening customs administrations and promoting global trade.
Chalna Port (Mongla Port) is the second busiest seaport in Bangladesh, located in the southwestern part of the country. It serves as a crucial trade node connecting South Asia to the world. Established in 1950, the port facilitates the export of goods like jute and leather, and the import of commodities such as grains and cement. Chalna Port plays a significant role in promoting international trade and regional economic development for Bangladesh.
