Dominican Republic Enhances Trade with Customs Reforms

Dominican Republic Enhances Trade with Customs Reforms

The WCO's Mercator Programme is assisting the Dominican Republic in accelerating trade facilitation and making progress in implementing the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). The WCO will continue to provide technical support, focusing on areas such as the development of a Single Window system. This collaboration aims to streamline customs procedures, reduce trade costs, and enhance the overall efficiency of cross-border trade for the Dominican Republic.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Zimbabwe Enhances Trade with Wtobacked Reform Plan

Zimbabwe Enhances Trade with Wtobacked Reform Plan

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is collaborating with the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority on a two-year program to assist Zimbabwe in effectively implementing the World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement. The program covers key areas such as risk management, information release, post-clearance audit, and freedom of transit. It also supports the work of the National Trade Facilitation Committee (NTFC) to promote trade development in Zimbabwe.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Sierra Leone Djibouti Join HS Convention to Streamline Trade

Sierra Leone Djibouti Join HS Convention to Streamline Trade

In 2015, Sierra Leone and Djibouti acceded to the International Convention on the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, becoming the 152nd and 153rd contracting parties. This is significant for both countries, facilitating trade, enhancing international competitiveness, and promoting economic development. The Convention covers over 98% of global trade in goods. Its standardized coding system simplifies trade procedures, enhancing the efficiency, transparency, and standardization of global trade.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Exploring The Trade Appeal And Development Potential Of The Second Largest Port In The United States Port Of Long Beach

Exploring The Trade Appeal And Development Potential Of The Second Largest Port In The United States Port Of Long Beach

The Port of Long Beach, as the second busiest port in the United States, not only facilitates extensive trade but also serves as a core of Southern California's economy. Its advanced facilities and convenient transportation make it a key player in international shipping. With continuous growth in throughput, the Port of Long Beach will continue to play a critical role in global trade.

07/24/2025 Port Encyclopedia
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China's FTZs Boost Trade Efficiency with Innovative Reforms

China's FTZs Boost Trade Efficiency with Innovative Reforms

The Free Trade Zone has enhanced trade facilitation and customs efficiency through innovative regulation and experience replication, successfully lowering warehousing and logistics costs. The pilot free trade zones in Zhejiang, Shaanxi, Liaoning, and Sichuan have implemented effective measures to support various types of trade, significantly boosting enterprise competitiveness and market participation. The simplification of customs processes and the application of technology have made import and export trade increasingly efficient, driving regional economic development and changing the market landscape.

07/29/2025 Logistics
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Bolivia Optimizes Trade with SECOWCO Goods Release Study

Bolivia Optimizes Trade with SECOWCO Goods Release Study

The SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) supported Bolivia in conducting a Time Release Study (TRS) to improve trade efficiency and comply with the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. Through expert guidance, questionnaire optimization, and pilot testing, the GTFP helped Bolivia identify bottlenecks in goods release and optimize operational procedures. This support contributes to trade facilitation and economic development by streamlining processes and improving efficiency within Bolivia's trade system. The TRS provides valuable insights for further improvements.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bahamas Enhances Trade with Wcobacked Ruling System

Bahamas Enhances Trade with Wcobacked Ruling System

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is supporting the Bahamas in developing an Advance Ruling System to enhance trade facilitation. Through workshops, Bahamian customs officials developed advance ruling application procedures, decision templates, information disclosure guidelines, and created an online database. The Advance Ruling System reduces trade risks, shortens clearance times, promotes international trade development, attracts investment, and reduces trade disputes. This initiative aims to streamline customs processes and improve the overall efficiency of trade operations in the Bahamas.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Ghana Enhances Trade Efficiency with WCO UNCTAD Backing

Ghana Enhances Trade Efficiency with WCO UNCTAD Backing

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and UNCTAD jointly support Ghana's National Trade Facilitation Committee (NTFC) through capacity building workshops. These workshops focus on global supply chains, trade facilitation projects, and international standards, aiming to improve Ghana's trade efficiency. Botswana shared its experiences, and HM Revenue & Customs of the UK provided funding, collectively driving Ghana's trade facilitation reforms and promoting economic development. The initiative highlights international collaboration to enhance trade processes and integrate Ghana more effectively into the global economy.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Botswana Adopts Revised Kyoto Convention to Boost Trade Efficiency

Botswana Adopts Revised Kyoto Convention to Boost Trade Efficiency

Botswana acceded to the Revised Kyoto Convention in 2006, aligning its customs system with international standards. This aims to facilitate trade by simplifying and harmonizing customs procedures, reducing trade costs, and providing a more efficient trading environment for businesses. This move is significant for Botswana's economic development and contributes to trade integration across Africa, fostering a new global trade order. The adoption of the convention emphasizes Botswana's commitment to streamlined customs processes and enhanced trade efficiency.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Chinas Regional Trade Shifts Drive 2025 Growth

Chinas Regional Trade Shifts Drive 2025 Growth

China's provincial foreign trade data for 2025 reveals regional development disparities and new growth drivers. Guangdong leads the nation, with 9 provinces exceeding 1 trillion RMB in import and export volume. Xinjiang, Shanxi, and Hubei show the fastest growth, with Hubei experiencing the most significant ranking increase. Yunnan's growth is notable, but its trade deficit has widened. Provinces should tailor strategies to local conditions, optimize structures, and collectively promote high-quality foreign trade development in China.

02/03/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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