Niger Enhances Trade Skills with WTO Workshop

Niger Enhances Trade Skills with WTO Workshop

In 2010, the WTO held a trade facilitation workshop in Niger to identify the country's needs and priorities through self-assessment. Experts from UNCTAD and WCO assisted in the workshop, enhancing Nigerien officials' awareness of international trade challenges and clarifying actions aligned with WTO principles. The workshop focused on customs issues, deepening participants' understanding of international trade and customs affairs, and contributing to Niger's integration into the global trading system.

WCO Boosts Cameroon Customs Import Valuation and Revenue

WCO Boosts Cameroon Customs Import Valuation and Revenue

The WCO assessed Cameroon's customs valuation system to help it comply with the WTO Agreement, enhance revenue collection, facilitate trade, and reduce trade frictions. The assessment likely identified areas for improvement and provided recommendations for strengthening the system and ensuring its alignment with international standards. This support aims to improve Cameroon's trade competitiveness and contribute to its economic development by fostering a more transparent and efficient customs environment.

WCO Aids Uganda in CITES Enforcement for Endangered Species

WCO Aids Uganda in CITES Enforcement for Endangered Species

The WCO assessed the Uganda Revenue Authority's capacity to enforce the CITES Convention. The assessment revealed shortcomings, leading to the development of an improvement plan. This plan aims to combat the illegal trade in wild flora and fauna by strengthening customs enforcement and ensuring compliance with CITES regulations. The initiative seeks to enhance the URA's effectiveness in detecting, preventing, and suppressing wildlife trafficking, contributing to broader wildlife conservation efforts.

Colombia Mexico Boost Customs Risk Management Via GTFP

Colombia Mexico Boost Customs Risk Management Via GTFP

Supported by the WCO-SECO GTFP project, Colombian Customs visited Mexican Customs to learn about risk management practices and enhance its modernization. The visit combined online and offline sessions, focusing on risk identification, assessment, control, departmental collaboration, and IT infrastructure. This cooperation aims to promote trade facilitation and address global trade challenges. The knowledge gained will help Colombia improve its risk management system and contribute to more efficient and secure trade processes.

Kenya Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO JICA Aid

Kenya Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO JICA Aid

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) are jointly supporting the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to enhance its risk assessment and selectivity capabilities, addressing new trade challenges in East Africa. Using a two-pronged approach combining expert discussions and practical exercises, Kenyan Customs actively participates in building a smart customs administration. This initiative aims to improve clearance efficiency, promote trade facilitation, and ultimately contribute to Kenya's economic growth.

Americas Caribbean Customs Agencies Push Gender Equality at Forum

Americas Caribbean Customs Agencies Push Gender Equality at Forum

The Americas and Caribbean Customs Virtual Forum focused on gender equality and diversity, bringing together representatives from 24 countries. They shared experiences, discussed challenges, and launched the Spanish version of the WCO Gender Equality Organizational Assessment Tool (GEOAT). The forum aims to promote progress in gender equality within customs administrations and integrate it into the customs agenda. This initiative lays the foundation for building a more equitable and inclusive customs environment across the region.

Namibia Launches Trade Facilitation Program for Authorized Operators

Namibia Launches Trade Facilitation Program for Authorized Operators

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supported Namibia in completing a capacity assessment for its Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program. The aim is to assist Namibia in launching an AEO pilot project and its full implementation by 2018 through work plans in key areas such as risk management, post-clearance audit, legal reform, and IT upgrades. Ultimately, this initiative seeks to promote trade facilitation and economic development within the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) region.

Bolivia Enhances Trade with Swiss WCO Aid Postpandemic

Bolivia Enhances Trade with Swiss WCO Aid Postpandemic

The WCO and Switzerland assessed Bolivia's progress in trade facilitation, discussing improvements to the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program and the establishment of a Single Window system. The assessment aimed to promote economic development in Bolivia and globally. Discussions focused on streamlining customs procedures, reducing trade costs, and enhancing efficiency in cross-border trade. The collaboration highlights the importance of international cooperation in supporting Bolivia's efforts to integrate into the global trading system and improve its competitiveness.

Burkina Faso Boosts Customs Valuation with WCO Assistance

Burkina Faso Boosts Customs Valuation with WCO Assistance

The World Customs Organization (WCO) provided technical assistance to the Burkina Faso Customs Administration to support the restoration of its autonomous customs valuation function. The first phase assessment has been completed, with the expert team offering recommendations through diagnostic assessments and collaborative dialogue. These recommendations aim to strengthen risk management, implement post-clearance audits, and enhance the capabilities of valuation officers. The ultimate goal is to build an autonomous and efficient customs valuation system for Burkina Faso.

WCO Upgrades Cargo System to Strengthen Trade Security

WCO Upgrades Cargo System to Strengthen Trade Security

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has released an upgraded version of its Cargo Targeting System (CTS) to enhance global trade security and facilitation. The new version features significant improvements in user interface, risk analysis capabilities, and data integration, and has been successfully deployed in several countries worldwide. This upgrade signifies the WCO's commitment to providing its members with more effective and sustainable cargo risk assessment and pre-shipment inspection capabilities to address increasingly complex global trade challenges.