Hurghada International Airport is located in Hurghada, Egypt, approximately 5 kilometers southwest of the city center. It is the second busiest airport in the country, featuring a 4000-meter runway and a new terminal. The airport serves over 40 airlines, offering both domestic and international flights. As a key transport hub, it connects Europe and the Middle East, providing travelers with a convenient travel experience.
Lisbon Portela Airport is Portugal's main international airport, located just 7 kilometers from the city center. Since its opening in 1942, it has become one of the largest and best-equipped airports in Western Europe. The airport is renowned for its connections to Europe, Brazil, and South Africa, handling over 18 million passengers annually, serving as a starting point and destination for countless travelers.
Curitiba International Airport is a significant aviation hub in southern Brazil, established in 1945 and named after Afonso Pena. Located 18 kilometers from the city center at an elevation of 911 meters, it features two runways and a modern terminal, with an annual passenger capacity of up to 3.5 million. Despite rapid development, the airport faces challenges such as unstable weather and increasing freight demand.
Cranbrook International Airport, located in British Columbia, Canada, is just 9.3 kilometers from the city center. Owned by the city and operated by Elevate Airports Inc., the airport sits at an elevation of 940 meters with a runway measuring 2,438 meters and a terminal of 2,100 square meters. It offers flights to destinations such as Calgary and Vancouver, with an annual passenger volume exceeding 100,000.
A recent report indicates that Ningbo-Zhoushan Port has risen to become the 7th largest shipping center globally, surpassing Athens/Piraeus. This signifies a dynamic shift in the global shipping landscape. While Singapore maintains its leading position, Ningbo-Zhoushan Port's ascent is attributed to China's economic growth and the port's continuous improvements. This achievement highlights the increasing importance of Chinese ports in international trade and shipping.
Sikorsky Memorial Airport (BDR) in Bridgeport, Connecticut, is a general aviation airport named after aviation pioneer Igor Sikorsky. Covering 324 hectares, the airport features two operational runways. It primarily serves general aviation, offering services such as private flights and flight training. While it previously hosted scheduled passenger service, it now focuses on general aviation activities, acting as a vital aviation infrastructure hub for the local area. The airport plays a significant role in supporting private and recreational flying in Connecticut.
The World Customs Organization has issued new recommendations urging member economies to incorporate specific substances controlled by the Chemical Weapons Convention into national statistical directories. This aims to more accurately track and monitor the international movement of these sensitive goods. Businesses should comprehensively review their product lines, update internal coding systems, and enhance employee training to ensure trade activities comply with relevant laws and regulations. This proactive approach is crucial for maintaining international trade compliance and preventing the proliferation of chemical weapons.
The World Customs Organization (WCO), through its Environment Programme, actively participates in optimizing the Regulatory Compliance Environment Network (ENFORCE) initiative, aiming to strengthen Customs' role in combating the illegal transboundary movement of waste. The WCO will assist ENFORCE members in connecting with national Customs administrations, providing training, and coordinating operations to enhance Customs enforcement capabilities and collectively build a global environmental security network. This will contribute to a more secure and sustainable environment by preventing the illegal dumping and trafficking of hazardous waste.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a Post Clearance Audit workshop in Bahrain to enhance Bahrain Customs' revenue collection capabilities. The workshop focused on international standards, risk management, and audit preparation, emphasizing the importance of risk assessment and data analysis in auditing. Through case studies and practical exercises, it helped Bahrain Customs officials master audit techniques, laying the foundation for building an efficient tax system. The training aimed to improve compliance and reduce revenue leakage through effective post-clearance control mechanisms.
The Commercial Law Development Program (CLDP) supported a valuation workshop for Egyptian Customs, aiming to enhance the expertise of Egyptian customs officials in areas such as the WTO Valuation Agreement, price adjustments, and advance ruling systems. Through case studies and direct engagement with challenges, the workshop contributes to trade facilitation in Egypt and fosters a more fair and transparent trading environment for businesses. The training focused on practical application and problem solving to improve efficiency and compliance within the Egyptian customs system.
