Shipping Surcharges Significantly Reduced, Easing Burden on Export Enterprises

Shipping Surcharges Significantly Reduced, Easing Burden on Export Enterprises

With the government's cleanup of fees related to import and export processes, shipping companies have begun to reduce additional charges, lightening the economic burden on export enterprises. Investigations revealed that several shipping companies were imposing unreasonable fees, prompting the government to enforce standardized pricing. These measures are expected to alleviate over 200 million yuan in annual costs for China's export enterprises, with the Port of Qingdao alone seeing a reduction of 16 million yuan each year. Such actions will improve market order and support sustained growth in foreign trade.

07/21/2025 Logistics
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WCO South Korea Aid Yemens Customs Reform Amid Crisis

WCO South Korea Aid Yemens Customs Reform Amid Crisis

With funding from the Korea Customs Cooperation Fund (CCF), the World Customs Organization (WCO) held a high-level seminar in Amman, Jordan, to assist Yemen Customs in transitioning from crisis response to recovery. The seminar focused on key issues such as capacity building and strategic planning. The WCO provided technical assistance and resource coordination, while Korea provided financial support. The Head of Yemen Customs expressed gratitude to the WCO and pledged to enhance trade security and competitiveness to achieve national recovery. This initiative highlights the importance of international cooperation in supporting fragile states.

Lesotho Revenue Authority Modernizes Talent Management for Efficiency

Lesotho Revenue Authority Modernizes Talent Management for Efficiency

The Lesotho Revenue Authority (LRA) is implementing a competency-based human resource management system in collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO) to enhance operational efficiency and tax revenue. WCO workshops and capacity-building support are helping LRA staff acquire modern HR management skills and develop action plans. With strong commitment from LRA leadership, talent management is poised to be a key driver in the tax department's transformation. This initiative signifies a significant step towards modernizing the LRA and improving its ability to meet its revenue collection goals.

Qatar Customs Boosts Trade Security with AEO Program

Qatar Customs Boosts Trade Security with AEO Program

Qatar Customs, with WCO support, held an AEO program assessment workshop to optimize its upcoming AEO program and enhance trade security and efficiency. The workshop employed gap analysis, practical exercises, and work planning to lay the foundation for further AEO program improvements. The AEO program is expected to enhance Qatar's trade security, improve customs clearance efficiency, reduce trade costs, and strengthen international cooperation. The focus was on identifying areas for improvement and developing a roadmap for successful implementation, ensuring the program meets international standards and contributes to a safer and more efficient trade environment.

Malawi Boosts Wildlife Trafficking Crackdown with WCO Aid

Malawi Boosts Wildlife Trafficking Crackdown with WCO Aid

The WCO is assisting the Malawi Revenue Authority in enhancing its intelligence capabilities to combat illegal wildlife trade. This support includes providing expert assistance and training to strengthen the implementation of the CITES convention. The initiative aims to build a global enforcement network to effectively address wildlife trafficking. By improving intelligence gathering and analysis, the Malawi Revenue Authority will be better equipped to identify and intercept shipments of illegal wildlife products, contributing to the protection of endangered species and the disruption of criminal networks involved in this illicit trade.

WCO Enhances Nigeria Ghana Customs to Boost Trade

WCO Enhances Nigeria Ghana Customs to Boost Trade

With WCO support, Nigeria and Ghana jointly organized a training of trainers program on valuation, aiming to enhance customs valuation capabilities and promote trade facilitation in both countries. Following the termination of contracts with private inspection companies and the return of valuation responsibilities to customs, this training covered technical valuation, valuation control, and trainer skills. The goal is to strengthen the national valuation trainer pool in both countries, injecting new momentum into trade development in West Africa. This initiative is expected to improve valuation accuracy and efficiency, ultimately contributing to smoother trade flows.

WCO Marks 20 Years of Boosting Asiapacific Customs Capacity

WCO Marks 20 Years of Boosting Asiapacific Customs Capacity

The WCO Regional Office for Capacity Building Asia Pacific (ROCB A/P) celebrates its 20th anniversary. It has significantly enhanced customs capacity in the region and promoted trade facilitation. Moving forward, the ROCB A/P will continue to strengthen cooperation with member administrations and partners. Its focus remains on delivering effective capacity building programs and fostering regional integration to support sustainable economic growth and security within the Asia-Pacific region. The anniversary marks a significant milestone in the ROCB A/P's commitment to advancing customs modernization and regional collaboration.

IATA Introduces Safety Tool to Boost Airline Performance

IATA Introduces Safety Tool to Boost Airline Performance

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released the I-ASC Aviation Safety Culture Survey Tool to help airlines assess, benchmark, and improve their safety culture. The tool evaluates nine key drivers, providing quantitative and qualitative data to support the development of improvement plans. It offers industry benchmarking, risk identification, global coverage, and continuous improvement tracking capabilities. This helps airlines enhance their safety performance by providing actionable insights and facilitating a proactive approach to safety management. Ultimately, the I-ASC tool aims to foster a stronger safety culture within the aviation industry.

01/05/2026 Airlines
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Eus Single Sky Initiative Aims to Boost Airspace Efficiency

Eus Single Sky Initiative Aims to Boost Airspace Efficiency

The Single European Sky (SES) initiative aims to integrate European airspace management for more efficient, safe, and environmentally friendly air transport. The plan is projected to create millions of jobs, increase GDP, and significantly reduce carbon emissions. Support for SES implementation comes from the European Parliament's Committee on Transport, recommendations from the Wise Persons Group, and national airspace strategies like Poland's. Through collaborative efforts, a brighter future for aviation can be achieved. The SES initiative focuses on harmonizing regulations and technologies to improve airspace capacity and optimize flight routes.

Tourism Taxes Spark Debate on Economic Impact

Tourism Taxes Spark Debate on Economic Impact

Tourism tax is a common fiscal tool intended to support tourism development. However, discriminatory tourism taxes targeting the aviation industry can be counterproductive, harming both the aviation and tourism sectors. This paper analyzes the negative impacts of tourism taxes, proposes alternative solutions, and draws on international experience. It aims to provide a reference for governments to formulate reasonable tourism tax policies, promoting the sustainable development of the tourism industry. The analysis highlights the need for balanced policies that avoid hindering the aviation industry while still generating revenue for tourism initiatives.