Lesotho Revenue Authority Upgrades HR System with WCO Assistance

Lesotho Revenue Authority Upgrades HR System with WCO Assistance

With the support of the World Customs Organization (WCO), the Lesotho Revenue Authority (LRA) is actively modernizing its human resource management. Through capacity building and process optimization, the LRA aims to establish an efficient and strategically aligned HR system, becoming a model within the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) region. This article details the LRA's actions, WCO's support, and the challenges and opportunities faced. It also looks ahead to the LRA's future development in the field of human resource management.

Azerbaijan Expands Trade Program with WCO Backing

Azerbaijan Expands Trade Program with WCO Backing

The World Customs Organization (WCO) provides technical assistance to Azerbaijan Customs to enhance its Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program. Through workshops, WCO experts and Azerbaijani Customs representatives discussed the effectiveness of the AEO program, expansion opportunities, and alignment with the SAFE Framework. The goal is to promote trade facilitation, improve supply chain security, and contribute to Azerbaijan's economic growth. The assistance aims to elevate the operational standards of Azerbaijan Customs.

WCO Chief Visits Dutch Customs to Boost Global Trade Links

WCO Chief Visits Dutch Customs to Boost Global Trade Links

WCO Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya visited the Netherlands Customs, focusing on information sharing, GNC, data quality, the Multilateral Mutual Assistance Convention, and mutual recognition, discussing global customs cooperation. The Secretary General expressed gratitude for the Netherlands' contribution to WCO technical assistance and looks forward to continued collaboration to build an open, efficient, and secure new global trade landscape. The visit highlighted the importance of strengthened partnerships and innovative solutions for addressing evolving challenges in international trade and customs administration.

Cuba Adopts WCO Data Model to Modernize Customs

Cuba Adopts WCO Data Model to Modernize Customs

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supports Cuban Customs in implementing the WCO Data Model through technical assistance. This initiative aims to streamline trade processes, enhance efficiency, and promote data interoperability with other government agencies. The WCO Data Model, serving as a common language for global trade, facilitates the modernization of Cuban Customs by standardizing data elements and information structures. This integration into the global trade system will ultimately improve Cuba's international competitiveness.

WCO Enhances Bahamas Customs Tariff Classification Skills

WCO Enhances Bahamas Customs Tariff Classification Skills

The World Customs Organization (WCO) continuously supports the Bahamas Customs and Excise Department (BCED) in enhancing its customs classification capabilities through technical assistance agreements. The WCO organized several Harmonized System (HS) training workshops to improve the professional skills of Bahamian customs officers and develop internal training capacity. These efforts help the Bahamas to classify goods more accurately and promote international trade development.

WCO Enhances Angolas Customs Valuation to Boost Trade Revenue

WCO Enhances Angolas Customs Valuation to Boost Trade Revenue

The World Customs Organization (WCO) recently assisted Angola Customs in enhancing its customs valuation capabilities. By assessing infrastructure needs, providing recommendations on risk management and post-clearance audit, and conducting customs valuation workshops, the WCO helped Angola Customs improve revenue collection efficiency, promote compliant trade, and strengthen customs valuation oversight of multinational corporations. This assistance demonstrates the importance of international cooperation in improving customs administration.

Global Customs Agencies Pledge Faster Disaster Relief Clearance

Global Customs Agencies Pledge Faster Disaster Relief Clearance

The World Customs Organization (WCO) pledged to expedite customs clearance for disaster relief goods at the World Humanitarian Summit, emphasizing communication, coordination, and protection. The WCO will gather experiences, provide training, and launch an assistance project in West Africa. The Secretary General called for international cooperation to build an efficient and reliable global humanitarian relief system, leveraging data analysis to improve rescue efficiency. The WCO aims to streamline processes and foster collaboration to ensure aid reaches those in need quickly and effectively during times of crisis.

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.

WCO Enhances Customs Training to Strengthen Environmental Protection

WCO Enhances Customs Training to Strengthen Environmental Protection

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEA) Train-the-Trainer workshop in Kenya, focusing on the Basel and Montreal Conventions. Through capacity building, the WCO aims to assist national customs administrations in improving compliance, combating illegal trade, and protecting the environment. The Sida-WCO Trade Facilitation and Customs Modernization (TFCM) Programme provides technical assistance to relevant customs agencies to address trade-related environmental issues and promote sustainable development. This initiative empowers customs officers to effectively enforce environmental regulations and contribute to global environmental protection efforts.

WCO and UNCTAD Partner to Boost Global Trade Efficiency

WCO and UNCTAD Partner to Boost Global Trade Efficiency

In 2014, the WCO and UNCTAD Secretaries-General met in Geneva, focusing on the harmonized implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). They emphasized providing needs assessments and technical assistance based on WCO instruments to avoid implementation divergence. Discussions also covered addressing complex cross-border trade issues, improving transportation and logistics efficiency. Both parties committed to further strengthening cooperation to build an efficient and transparent global trade system.