Lesotho Boosts Trade with Enhanced Customs Audits

Lesotho Boosts Trade with Enhanced Customs Audits

A high-level virtual workshop on Post-Clearance Audit was successfully conducted for the Lesotho Revenue Authority under the joint framework of HMRC, WCO, and UNCTAD. The workshop aimed to support developing countries in effectively implementing the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. It enhanced the professional skills of Lesotho Revenue Authority officials and fostered cooperation between customs and businesses, contributing to Lesotho's economic development. The training focused on modern PCA techniques and risk management strategies to optimize revenue collection and improve trade compliance.

Peru Boosts Customs Oversight with Global Partnerships

Peru Boosts Customs Oversight with Global Partnerships

Peru hosted a virtual forum to discuss risk management in customs valuation. Participating countries shared their experiences, highlighting best practices and challenges. The Peruvian Customs Service outlined plans to strengthen value verification processes and deepen public-private partnerships to improve compliance and combat fraud. The forum emphasized the importance of international cooperation in addressing valuation-related risks and ensuring fair trade practices. The discussions focused on leveraging technology and data analysis to enhance risk assessment and improve the efficiency of customs operations.

Barbados Customs Adopts Wcobacked HR Modernization

Barbados Customs Adopts Wcobacked HR Modernization

A WCO virtual workshop assisted Barbados Customs in building a competency-based HRM system to enhance efficiency, increase revenue collection, and improve relationships. The collaboration aims to modernize HRM practices within the organization. This initiative is expected to significantly improve the performance of Barbados Customs by aligning employee skills and knowledge with organizational goals and strategic objectives. The competency model will serve as a foundation for recruitment, training, performance management, and career development, ultimately contributing to a more effective and motivated workforce.

WCO Promotes Gender Equality to Strengthen Global Trade

WCO Promotes Gender Equality to Strengthen Global Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Virtual Working Group (VWG) on Gender Equality and Diversity convened to explore how to enhance collaboration with the private sector to promote gender-inclusive trade facilitation, better addressing the needs of women traders and marginalized groups. The WCO is building a more gender-equal customs environment through initiatives like online learning modules and the 'Women in Customs' campaign. These efforts aim to ensure that customs procedures and policies are equitable and supportive of all stakeholders, regardless of gender.

Uzbekistan Boosts Customs Audits with Maldives Peer Learning

Uzbekistan Boosts Customs Audits with Maldives Peer Learning

Under the WCO Mercator Programme, the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme facilitated a virtual learning exchange between the Customs administrations of Uzbekistan and Maldives, focusing on post-clearance audit. Maldives Customs shared its experiences in organizational structure, legal framework, operational procedures, inter-agency coordination, and IT systems. This effectively enhanced Uzbekistan Customs' post-clearance audit capabilities and strengthened cooperation between the two Customs administrations. The exchange highlights the importance of knowledge sharing and collaboration in improving trade facilitation practices globally.

Asiapacific Customs Intensify Crackdown on Plastic Waste

Asiapacific Customs Intensify Crackdown on Plastic Waste

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted virtual diagnostic missions to Indonesian and Philippine Customs to address the growing problem of illegal plastic waste trade in the Asia-Pacific region. The missions aimed to enhance their capacity to manage legal imports, curb illegal shipments, and promote the Basel Convention amendment. Through self-assessments, expert consultations, and tailored implementation plans, the WCO supports Asia-Pacific Customs in comprehensively improving their capabilities at both strategic and tactical levels to collectively address the plastic waste challenge.

Peru Adopts Global Standards for Customs Valuation

Peru Adopts Global Standards for Customs Valuation

Supported by the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme, Peruvian Customs held a virtual forum focusing on customs valuation risk management. Participants exchanged experiences on database applications and discussed optimizing value verification procedures and public-private partnerships to combat valuation irregularities. Peruvian Customs plans to strengthen its value verification system and deepen collaboration with the private sector. The WCO will continue to provide support, enhancing transparency and predictability in cross-border trade. The forum highlighted the importance of efficient and fair customs valuation for trade facilitation.

Global Airports Boost Safety with Iatas NOTAM Training Program

Global Airports Boost Safety with Iatas NOTAM Training Program

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) introduces a specialized NOTAM Originator training course for airport personnel, aiming to enhance airport operational safety and efficiency. The course covers AIS fundamentals and NOTAM issuance management regulations. Through online virtual classrooms, interactive teaching, and practical exercises, it helps participants master the professional skills of a NOTAM originator, ensuring aviation safety. This training equips airport staff with the knowledge and abilities to effectively manage and disseminate critical information, contributing to a safer and more efficient air transport environment.

Asiapacific Customs Adopts Cloud Training for Workforce Growth

Asiapacific Customs Adopts Cloud Training for Workforce Growth

Under the framework of the World Customs Organization (WCO), Asia-Pacific customs administrations discussed the challenges and opportunities in training management amidst digital transformation through online seminars. They reached a consensus on capacity building, talent development strategies, and the effective implementation of virtual training models. The aim is to build a talent cultivation system adaptable to future development, jointly address challenges, and achieve the common development of regional customs. This collaboration fosters a skilled workforce prepared for the evolving landscape of international trade and customs procedures.

Microsoft Cloud Boosts Manufacturing with Digital Twins

Microsoft Cloud Boosts Manufacturing with Digital Twins

Microsoft has released its Manufacturing Cloud, leveraging digital twin technology to create Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Insights. This solution aims to visualize the supply chain, predict potential risks, and ultimately enhance its resilience. By creating a virtual representation of the physical supply chain, businesses can gain better visibility and proactively address disruptions. The platform integrates data from various sources to provide a comprehensive view, enabling informed decision-making and improved operational efficiency. This offering underscores Microsoft's commitment to supporting manufacturers in their digital transformation journey.