Togo Boosts Customs Skills with WCO Training

Togo Boosts Customs Skills with WCO Training

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a workshop in Lomé to assist the Togolese Revenue Office (OTR) in rebuilding its customs valuation function. Through diagnostic assessments and practical training, Togolese customs officials gained a better understanding of WTO valuation rules and WCO practices. This initiative aimed to enhance their capacity in customs valuation control and management, laying the foundation for an efficient and transparent customs valuation system in Togo. The workshop focused on improving skills and knowledge related to valuation procedures and international standards.

WCO Supports Guineabissau Customs Modernization Efforts

WCO Supports Guineabissau Customs Modernization Efforts

Under the West Africa Customs Administration Modernization (WACAM) project, funded by the Swedish government, the World Customs Organization (WCO) supported Guinea-Bissau Customs in resource mobilization. Through training, Guinea-Bissau Customs enhanced its project planning capabilities, completing draft project proposals and a donor mapping exercise. The next step involves the WACAM project assisting the country in hosting a national donor roundtable conference to promote customs modernization. This initiative aims to secure funding and partnerships crucial for advancing customs reforms and efficiency in Guinea-Bissau.

Lesotho Enhances Tax Efficiency with Wcobacked Training

Lesotho Enhances Tax Efficiency with Wcobacked Training

The Lesotho Revenue Authority, with the support of the World Customs Organization (WCO), successfully held a workshop on "Competency-Based Human Resource Management" through the "Human Resource Management Competency Building - WCO-UNCTAD Cooperation Project." This initiative aimed to enhance the professional skills of the human capital management team and representatives from various departments. The goal is to build a scientific and rational human resource management system, create an efficient and ethical tax workforce, and provide a solid guarantee for the economic and social development of Lesotho.

WCO Issues Guidance on Customs Valuation and Transfer Pricing

WCO Issues Guidance on Customs Valuation and Transfer Pricing

The World Customs Organization (WCO) guide aims to harmonize customs valuation and transfer pricing, addressing the challenges posed by related-party transactions. It draws on practical experiences from various countries. The guide seeks to provide clarity and promote consistent application of valuation principles in the context of international trade, especially when dealing with multinational enterprises and their internal pricing policies. This harmonization effort is crucial for ensuring fair revenue collection and preventing trade distortions arising from discrepancies between customs valuation and transfer pricing methodologies.

Cameroon Boosts Afcfta Customs Rules with WCO Backing

Cameroon Boosts Afcfta Customs Rules with WCO Backing

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a workshop on Rules of Origin (RoO) for the AfCFTA in Cameroon, aiming to enhance the understanding and application of these rules by Cameroonian Customs and the private sector. The workshop covered principles of rule-making, specific provisions, and operational issues. It seeks to promote trade development between Cameroon and other African countries, contributing to African economic integration. The initiative underscores the importance of RoO in facilitating trade and ensuring the benefits of the AfCFTA are realized effectively.

WCO Ensured Global Trade Stability During Pandemic

WCO Ensured Global Trade Stability During Pandemic

Amidst the global pandemic, the World Customs Organization (WCO) actively coordinates its member customs administrations to address the impact on international trade. This is achieved through information sharing, trade facilitation measures, enhanced international cooperation, and protection of frontline customs officers. The WCO established a dedicated COVID-19 information webpage, simplified customs clearance procedures for essential medical supplies, promoted the revised Kyoto Convention, and provided capacity building support. These efforts significantly contribute to ensuring global trade stability and fostering economic recovery during these challenging times.

Uzbekistan Boosts Customs Audits with International Support

Uzbekistan Boosts Customs Audits with International Support

Uzbekistan Customs is actively building a post-clearance audit system within the World Customs Organization framework, drawing on international experience to enhance regulatory efficiency and improve the business environment. Through virtual study exchanges with German Customs, they are learning advanced methods and technologies. With recommendations from WCO experts, Uzbekistan Customs has made significant strides in building its post-clearance audit capabilities, injecting new momentum into trade facilitation in Central Asia. This progress contributes to a more efficient and transparent trade environment in the region.

Asian Shippers Push for Transparent Pricing Fair Practices

Asian Shippers Push for Transparent Pricing Fair Practices

The Asian Shippers' Alliance annual meeting adopted an action plan to address rising ocean freight rates and opaque surcharges. The plan includes appeals to the International Chamber of Commerce and the World Trade Organization, advocating for simplified freight rates and reasonable surcharges. It also supports supply chain security measures and urges Asian countries to develop pro-competitive maritime regulations to protect shipper rights. The alliance aims to ensure fee transparency and fair treatment for shippers in the face of increasing costs and complex fee structures in the maritime industry.

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.