Central American Customs Boost Global Trade with New Partnerships

Central American Customs Boost Global Trade with New Partnerships

The Heads of Customs Administrations of the Americas and the Caribbean Conference was held in Guatemala, focusing on global connectivity, risk management, and customs-business cooperation. The importance of the Revised Kyoto Convention was emphasized. Guatemala was elected as the new WCO Regional Vice-Chair. The conference promoted regional customs cooperation and pointed the way for global trade facilitation. It addressed key challenges and opportunities in the region, aiming to enhance efficiency and security in international trade flows. The discussions highlighted the need for collaborative efforts to streamline customs procedures.

WCO Tackles Customs Law Reform As Nationalism Grows

WCO Tackles Customs Law Reform As Nationalism Grows

The 13th World Customs Law Conference focused on customs law changes and multilateral trade system challenges against the backdrop of nationalism. The World Customs Organization (WCO) emphasized the crucial role of capacity building in addressing trade protectionism and presented its work in e-commerce. The conference also discussed issues such as the participation of Least Developed Countries in international trade, the EU Customs Code, and challenges for customs brokers. The aim was to promote trade facilitation and security, and to maintain the stability of the global trading system.

WCO Backs Uzbekistans Customs System Upgrade

WCO Backs Uzbekistans Customs System Upgrade

At the request of the State Customs Committee of Uzbekistan, the World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a diagnostic mission to assess its customs valuation system and propose reforms. The assessment covered legal framework, valuation capacity, risk management, post-clearance audit, information technology application, and cooperation mechanisms. The reform aims to improve trade facilitation in Uzbekistan, attract foreign investment, and promote economic growth. The WCO's recommendations are expected to enhance the efficiency and transparency of customs procedures, ultimately contributing to a more favorable business environment.

WCO Program Modernizes Uzbekistans Customs Operations

WCO Program Modernizes Uzbekistans Customs Operations

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through its Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP), is assisting Uzbekistan in enhancing its customs strategic planning capabilities. This initiative aims to help the State Customs Committee (SCC) of Uzbekistan build a more efficient and intelligent customs system by developing strategic roadmaps and designing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). The goal is to embrace openness and digital transformation, improve trade facilitation, and ultimately promote national economic development. The project focuses on strengthening Uzbekistan's ability to implement modern customs practices and contribute to regional and global trade.

WCO Backs Palestinian Customs Modernization Efforts

WCO Backs Palestinian Customs Modernization Efforts

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Palestine Customs in modernizing its Human Resource Management (HRM) through a workshop held in Tunis. This support focuses on building a competency-based HRM system, including developing a job directory, competency framework, competency dictionary, and job descriptions. WCO experts will provide remote support to ensure the successful implementation of these reforms. The initiative aims to improve the efficiency and international competitiveness of Palestine Customs by strengthening its workforce and aligning HR practices with international standards.

WCO Workshop Enhances Namibias IP Enforcement

WCO Workshop Enhances Namibias IP Enforcement

The WCO held a workshop in Namibia to enhance intellectual property rights enforcement capabilities of Customs administrations in Eastern and Southern Africa. The workshop focused on risk management, information sharing, and the identification of counterfeit medicines. Participants explored strategies to strengthen regional cooperation and combat the trade in illicit goods that infringe on intellectual property rights. The aim was to improve the effectiveness of Customs administrations in protecting intellectual property at the border and fostering a safer and more secure trading environment within the region.

Switzerland WCO Boost Ukraine Trade Efficiency

Switzerland WCO Boost Ukraine Trade Efficiency

Switzerland, in collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO), has launched the Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) to enhance the efficiency of Ukrainian Customs and improve the business environment. Based on the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement and the WCO's Revised Kyoto Convention, the project provides technical assistance, capacity building, and resource support to help Ukraine achieve trade facilitation. This initiative aims to reduce costs for businesses, enhance competitiveness, promote foreign investment, and ultimately benefit consumers.

WCO Program Enhances Asiapacific Trade Efficiency

WCO Program Enhances Asiapacific Trade Efficiency

The World Customs Organization (WCO) recently held a successful pre-accreditation workshop on Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) for Asia-Pacific members. The workshop aimed to cultivate professionals capable of promoting regional trade facilitation and security. Through experience sharing, interactive practice, and personalized feedback, the event laid a foundation for a robust network of AEO experts. This initiative will assist WCO members in strengthening their AEO programs and building a secure and efficient global supply chain.

WCO Finalizes Key Ecommerce Trade Standards

WCO Finalizes Key Ecommerce Trade Standards

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Working Group on E-Commerce (WGEC) held its final meeting in Brussels, finalizing key annexes to the Technical Specifications of the E-Commerce Standards Framework, laying the foundation for the implementation of global standards for cross-border e-commerce. The meeting emphasized the importance of data sharing, case studies, and capacity building, and looked forward to the future development direction of cross-border e-commerce standards. These achievements have significant implications for the development of China's cross-border e-commerce.

WCO Boosts Customs Training Programs Globally

WCO Boosts Customs Training Programs Globally

The 9th Global Meeting of Heads of WCO Regional Capacity Building Offices, Regional Training Centers, and Vice-Chair Offices highlighted the critical role of regional institutions in capacity building. The meeting reaffirmed commitments to the WCO’s annual Capacity Building Needs Assessment, donor engagement, and the maintenance of regional experts. Discussions also focused on the development of new tools, such as the WCO Training Diagnostics tool, aimed at strengthening regional cooperation, enhancing the capacity of member customs administrations, and addressing global trade challenges.