Kaohsiung Port, an important maritime hub in Taiwan, covers over 300 international shipping routes. With excellent natural conditions and a diverse range of industrial services, it supports global trade and regional economic development. In the future, Kaohsiung Port will continue to optimize its services and infrastructure to strengthen its position in the international shipping market.
The East-West Shipping Network Initiative aims to enhance the reliability and efficiency of global trade transportation by reducing the number of ports along major shipping routes, optimizing shipping services, and introducing flexible regional shipping lines. Set to officially operate in February 2025, the initiative will effectively strengthen the resilience and responsiveness of supply chains.
Santos Port is the largest container port in Brazil and Latin America. After undergoing modernization and historical transformations, it supports the country's major agricultural exports. In recent years, the port's throughput has experienced rapid growth, demonstrating strong economic vitality, and it is expected to continue driving regional and global trade development in the future.
Chenglingji New Port Area is committed to building a regional shipping logistics center in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River. It aims to expand the Free Trade Zone, establish a comprehensive transportation network, expand and upgrade port facilities, attract leading enterprises to cultivate market entities, and optimize government services to improve the business environment. The goal is to become a key hub in the province's comprehensive transportation system, facilitating efficient cargo handling and trade within the region and beyond.
Birgunj is a vital gateway in southern Nepal, serving as a crucial hub for Nepal's international trade through its railway and road connections with India. More than just a transportation node, it's also a significant industrial center in Nepal, supported by diverse industries. Birgunj plays an increasingly important role in regional economic development, facilitating trade and contributing to Nepal's economic growth. Its strategic location and infrastructure make it essential for both import and export activities, impacting the overall economic landscape of the region.
An international shipping company is upgrading its Mediterranean to North America (MENA) and East Mediterranean (EMA) services. The upgrade includes a new direct call at Salerno, Italy, and expands the port coverage of the EMA service, connecting to more regional markets via Piraeus. This aims to provide more comprehensive, reliable, and efficient transportation solutions to meet the growing needs of customers and reflects new trends in global trade. The enhancements offer improved connectivity and service options for businesses engaged in Mediterranean trade.
FedEx is optimizing logistics between Singapore and Johor, Malaysia, by optimizing routes and accelerating customs clearance. This enables businesses in Johor to receive shipments up to two hours earlier, improving logistics efficiency, reducing operational costs, and enhancing market competitiveness. Furthermore, the use of electric vehicles for cross-border transportation supports sustainable development and facilitates regional trade growth. This initiative aims to streamline the supply chain and provide faster, more reliable delivery services for businesses operating in this key Southeast Asian trade corridor.
Synergy in customs capacity building is crucial within the EU-ASEAN Trade and Investment (TREATI) framework. Enhancing information sharing, establishing unified standards, addressing localized needs, and strengthening public-private partnerships can effectively improve regional trade efficiency, prevent resource wastage, and achieve sustainable development. This approach injects new vitality into the economic development of both the EU and ASEAN, fostering a more robust and streamlined trading relationship between the two regions. It promotes efficiency and long-term benefits for all stakeholders involved.
The WCO Asia-Pacific Risk Management and Enforcement Analysis Workshop was held in Japan, aiming to enhance customs risk management capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region. The workshop covered topics such as risk assessment, target setting, and the establishment of national targeting centers. It emphasized the crucial role of data analysis in risk management and contributed to regional trade security and facilitation. Participants discussed best practices and strategies for identifying and mitigating potential threats to trade and supply chains within the region.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Burundi Customs in building a national risk management framework to improve clearance efficiency and promote trade facilitation. By developing risk management policies, strategies, and action plans, and aligning them with regional frameworks, Burundi will be better positioned to implement its AEO program and fulfill its commitments under the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. This initiative aims to contribute to Burundi's sustainable economic development by enhancing customs operations and fostering a more predictable and efficient trading environment.
