Malawi Customs Boosts Wildlife Protection with WCO Tech Upgrade

Malawi Customs Boosts Wildlife Protection with WCO Tech Upgrade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) in enhancing its intelligence capabilities to combat illegal wildlife trade. Through training and process optimization, the initiative strengthens risk management and contributes to the protection of biodiversity. This collaboration aims to improve the MRA's ability to identify and intercept shipments of illegal wildlife products, ultimately supporting global efforts to conserve endangered species and combat transnational crime. The WCO's support is crucial for building sustainable enforcement mechanisms within the MRA.

International Aid Strengthens Malis Customs Crisis Response

International Aid Strengthens Malis Customs Crisis Response

The World Customs Organization (WCO) collaborates with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA) through the C-RED project to support Mali in enhancing its customs clearance capacity for emergency relief goods. This initiative aims to strengthen customs' preparedness for emergencies in West Africa by focusing on capacity building, coordination mechanisms, and the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The goal is to ensure the rapid delivery of relief supplies, contributing to the protection of lives and livelihoods during crises.

WCO Aids Bosnias Tax Authority in Risk Management Boost

WCO Aids Bosnias Tax Authority in Risk Management Boost

Funded by the WCO's Eurocustoms Fund, a risk management workshop was held for the Indirect Taxation Authority of Bosnia and Herzegovina (ITA BiH) to enhance its risk management capabilities. The workshop covered risk assessment, analysis, and response strategies, sharing international best practices. This initiative aims to lay the foundation for a robust risk management system within ITA BiH, ultimately improving tax collection efficiency and combating illicit activities. The training will help the ITA BiH better identify and mitigate potential threats, leading to more effective and secure customs operations.

Gambia Advances Tax Reform with WCO to Boost West African Standards

Gambia Advances Tax Reform with WCO to Boost West African Standards

With the support of the WCO, the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) has initiated strategic management reforms aimed at enhancing organizational project management capabilities and strategic monitoring and evaluation frameworks. This collaboration aims to position the GRA as a strategic management role model in West Africa, ultimately increasing fiscal revenue and promoting economic development. The reforms focus on building internal capacity and establishing robust mechanisms for tracking progress and ensuring accountability in achieving strategic objectives. The expected outcome is a more efficient and effective revenue collection system.

Cape Verde Boosts Trade Through Stakeholder Engagement

Cape Verde Boosts Trade Through Stakeholder Engagement

Cabo Verde has made significant progress in trade facilitation through the WCO-WACAM project, with effective stakeholder engagement being key. The project supports Cabo Verde in implementing measures related to the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement and enhancing customs management capabilities. Through collaboration, Cabo Verde successfully completed a Time Release Study at Praia Port, laying the foundation for improved national port efficiency and demonstrating the value of a collaborative approach. This initiative highlights Cabo Verde's commitment to streamlining trade processes and fostering economic growth.

Nicaragua Enhances Trade Via WCO Efficiency Study

Nicaragua Enhances Trade Via WCO Efficiency Study

The WCO held a workshop in Nicaragua to help optimize clearance processes and improve trade efficiency. The workshop was supported by the WCO-Norad project. The aim was to enhance trade facilitation by streamlining customs procedures and reducing delays. Key areas covered included risk management, automation, and cooperation between agencies. The workshop provided practical guidance and fostered collaboration among stakeholders to achieve faster and more efficient clearance times, ultimately contributing to economic growth and competitiveness.

Mali Customs Adopts Competencybased HRM for Modernization

Mali Customs Adopts Competencybased HRM for Modernization

With the support of the WCO, Mali Customs has initiated HRM modernization reforms, employing a competency model to enhance personnel quality. Facing challenges, the reform aims to build a modern HRM system to promote development. The focus is on improving employee skills and performance through a structured framework, ultimately contributing to a more efficient and effective customs administration. This initiative is crucial for Mali Customs to meet international standards and facilitate trade.

WCO Evaluates Ugandas CITES Enforcement Capabilities

WCO Evaluates Ugandas CITES Enforcement Capabilities

In 2017, the World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a diagnostic assessment of the Uganda Revenue Authority's capacity to enforce the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The assessment utilized an institutional assessment tool, combined with field visits and interviews, aiming to enhance Uganda Customs' ability to combat illegal wildlife trade. The assessment findings will guide future cooperation between the WCO and the Uganda Revenue Authority, contributing to global biodiversity conservation efforts.

WCO and WTO Boost Trade Facilitation Leadership Globally

WCO and WTO Boost Trade Facilitation Leadership Globally

The World Customs Organization (WCO) collaborates closely with the World Trade Organization (WTO) to empower chairs of national trade facilitation committees through initiatives like advanced courses. This partnership aims to enhance their understanding and implementation capabilities regarding the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement. The collaboration focuses on simplifying customs procedures, improving border management efficiency, and promoting transparency and sustainable development in global trade. Ultimately, this joint effort contributes to global economic growth by fostering a more streamlined and efficient international trading system.

Americas Caribbean Boost Customs Capacity with Upgraded Contact System

Americas Caribbean Boost Customs Capacity with Upgraded Contact System

The second meeting of National Contact Points for Customs Capacity Building in the Americas and the Caribbean aimed to deepen understanding of WCO capacity building programs, strengthen the role of National Contact Points, and promote regional cooperation. The meeting emphasized the importance of National Contact Points in needs assessment, project coordination, and experience sharing, as well as the ROCB's role as an engine for regional capacity building. Future efforts will focus on strengthening the National Contact Point network, optimizing needs assessment processes, promoting regional cooperation, and enhancing customs capacity.