Gabon Unveils Lucina Terminal As Key Oil Export Hub

Gabon Unveils Lucina Terminal As Key Oil Export Hub

Lucina Terminal, a significant oil export port in Gabon, is located near Mayumba in Nyanga Province. It is known for its unrestricted draft and efficient oil loading capabilities. Operating 24 hours a day, this port is a crucial hub for Gabon's oil economy, and understanding it provides insight into the country's overall economic situation. Other important Gabonese ports, such as Cape Lopez and Port-Gentil, also support the nation's foreign trade. The port plays a vital role in the West African shipping landscape due to its strategic location and oil handling capacity.

WCO JICA Boost Customs Valuation in Southern Africa

WCO JICA Boost Customs Valuation in Southern Africa

The WCO and JICA collaborated on an MTP project to train customs valuation officers from five Southern African countries. This initiative aimed to enhance regional customs capacity and facilitate trade development in the region. The project focused on building expertise in customs valuation techniques and promoting international cooperation among customs administrations. Ultimately, the goal was to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of customs operations, contributing to economic growth and regional integration. The training program covered various aspects of customs valuation, ensuring participants gained a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.

Gambia Revenue Authority Leads HR Modernization in West Africa

Gambia Revenue Authority Leads HR Modernization in West Africa

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through the West Africa Customs Administration Modernization (WACAM) project, is supporting the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) in implementing a competency-based human resource management model. A WCO expert team reviewed GRA's HR management tools and provided recommendations for improvement and an implementation plan. GRA is expected to become a benchmark in human resource management in the West and Central African region, offering valuable lessons for other countries. This initiative aims to enhance efficiency and effectiveness within the GRA through strategic human resource development.

Cocoa Giants Pledge to End Deforestation in West Africa

Cocoa Giants Pledge to End Deforestation in West Africa

Twelve global cocoa giants are collaborating with the World Cocoa Foundation (WCF) to eliminate deforestation in the cocoa supply chain. Initially focusing on Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire, the project aims to build a sustainable cocoa production ecosystem by improving farmer livelihoods, addressing climate change, eliminating child labor, and preventing diseases. Working with the African Development Bank and governments, the initiative promotes crop diversification to achieve unified environmental, economic, and social benefits. This collaborative effort seeks to ensure a more responsible and resilient future for the cocoa industry and the forests it impacts.

Ivory Coast Launches Transparent Customs System to Boost Trade

Ivory Coast Launches Transparent Customs System to Boost Trade

With support from the EU-WCO and the German Alliance for Trade Facilitation, Côte d'Ivoire is actively developing a national Advance Ruling System. This initiative aims to enhance trade transparency and predictability, reduce trade disputes, attract foreign investment, and improve customs efficiency. The system is expected to revitalize Côte d'Ivoire's trade development and serve as a model for other African nations. It will provide traders with binding rulings on tariff classification, origin, and other customs-related matters before import or export, fostering a more predictable and reliable trading environment.

West Africa Enhances Customs Risk Management During Pandemic

West Africa Enhances Customs Risk Management During Pandemic

Supported by the WCO/JICA joint project, West African Customs administrations continued to enhance their risk management and intelligence analysis capabilities during the pandemic through online training. The MTP project, involving six countries including Benin, aims to cultivate a team of experts proficient in these skills and has made significant progress. By adopting innovative training methods, the project overcame the challenges posed by the pandemic and injected new momentum into customs capacity building in West Africa. The online format allowed for continued learning and development despite travel restrictions and social distancing measures.

Skikda The Rise of Algerias Emerging Port City

Skikda The Rise of Algerias Emerging Port City

Skikda, an important port city in northeastern Algeria, is renowned for its rich history and modern industrial base. Industries such as refining, natural gas, and petrochemicals drive the local economy, making it a significant hub for international shipping and energy exports.

Zhengzhouseoul Cargo Route Boosts Crossborder Ecommerce

Zhengzhouseoul Cargo Route Boosts Crossborder Ecommerce

China Postal Airlines launched the 'Zhengzhou-Seoul' international freight route on July 5, operating three regular flights per week, which will support the development of the cross-border e-commerce industry in Henan Province. The opening of this route not only promotes trade between Henan and South Korea but also lays the groundwork for the establishment of additional routes in the future.

07/09/2025 Logistics
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Shipping Congestion Surges in Europe Latin America

Shipping Congestion Surges in Europe Latin America

International shipping congestion at ports in Europe and Latin America continues to worsen. The CEO of Hapag-Lloyd noted that labor disputes in Rotterdam and Antwerp are causing delays, while strong performance in the Brazilian market is exacerbating congestion at South American ports. Cargo owners and freight forwarders need to be aware of this trend and actively plan their logistics strategies.

06/09/2025 Logistics
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CMA CGM Debuts First Usflagged Container Ship

CMA CGM Debuts First Usflagged Container Ship

CMA CGM held a ceremony in South Carolina to flag the CMA CGM PANGAEA under the U.S. flag, marking a new phase in America's maritime strength. With a capacity of 9,300 TEUs, it is the largest U.S. flagged container ship in history. The ship will provide training for maritime students, enhance the U.S. seafarer workforce, and promote international trade and economic development.

07/25/2025 Logistics
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