WCO assisted Ethiopian Customs in launching blended training to enhance trade facilitation capabilities. Significant support was provided by the Mercator Programme, with gratitude to the UK and Finnish funding.
The WCO is assisting Bhutan in developing its advance ruling system and optimizing tariff classification, enhancing customs capacity, facilitating trade, increasing revenue, and improving the business environment. This initiative focuses on modernizing customs procedures and providing traders with certainty regarding tariff treatment before import or export. By implementing a robust advance ruling system, Bhutan aims to streamline trade processes, reduce disputes, and attract foreign investment. The project contributes to the overall modernization of Bhutanese customs and its alignment with international best practices.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a Time Release Study (TRS) workshop for the Vanuatu Customs and Inland Revenue Department to enhance customs efficiency and promote trade facilitation. The workshop covered TRS methodology, software applications, and action plan development. Through the TRS, Vanuatu aims to reduce cargo release times, improve the business environment, and fulfill its obligations under the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. This initiative is expected to streamline customs procedures and contribute to economic growth by reducing delays and costs associated with international trade.
With support from the World Bank and the World Customs Organization (WCO), the Philippine Customs is undertaking a reform and modernization program. The project aims to create a smart and efficient new customs administration by strengthening its IT infrastructure, revitalizing human resource management, and establishing a customs academy. The WCO provides expert tools and analysis to assist the Philippine Customs in its strategic transformation, improve service delivery, and contribute more significantly to national economic development.
The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), conducted a mission to Liberia to enhance the country's customs capacity and facilitation in responding to epidemics and natural disasters. By assessing needs, strengthening cooperation, and developing standard operating procedures, the mission laid the groundwork for improving Liberia's humanitarian relief system. This initiative highlights the importance of international collaboration in bolstering disaster preparedness and response capabilities within the customs framework.
At the invitation of the UAE Federal Customs Authority (FCA), the World Customs Organization (WCO) assisted in unifying the recruitment and training processes for customs inspectors across seven local customs administrations. Through a diagnostic mission, the WCO developed unified standards and an action plan for the FCA. This initiative aims to enhance the efficiency, consistency, and international competitiveness of the UAE's customs system, facilitating trade and combating cross-border crime. The project focuses on streamlining procedures and building capacity within the UAE customs workforce.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) established the Customs Work Organisation Forum (CWOF) to reshape the future of customs work. The inaugural meeting brought together global experts to discuss customs work models in the “new normal.” The meeting adopted terms of reference, elected a chairperson, and shared survey analysis. In the future, CWOF will hold more meetings, collect case studies, and develop guidelines to promote customs work towards a more flexible, intelligent, and efficient direction. The forum aims to drive innovation and adaptation within customs administrations worldwide.
WCO and SECO held a workshop at DIAN in Colombia to enhance its strategic planning and project management capabilities. This initiative aims to accelerate DIAN's transformation and promote trade facilitation. The workshop focused on equipping DIAN officials with the necessary tools and knowledge to effectively implement modernization projects and align them with strategic goals. By strengthening these core competencies, DIAN can improve its efficiency, transparency, and overall effectiveness in supporting Colombia's economic growth through streamlined customs procedures.
World Customs Organization (WCO) Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya delivered a keynote speech at the Asian Development Bank Institute Annual Conference, highlighting the multiple challenges facing global supply chains, including digitalization, data standardization, technological changes, e-commerce development, environmental issues, and border conflicts. He called for strengthened international cooperation to enhance the role of customs in supply chain resilience, jointly address these challenges, and promote the stability and sustainable development of global trade. This collaborative effort is crucial for navigating the complexities and ensuring a robust global trading system.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) assessed the impact of the WCO-WACAM project's support to the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), revealing significant progress in stakeholder engagement, human resource management, and strategic management. The WCO will continue to deepen its cooperation with the GRA, assisting its modernization efforts and enhancing trade facilitation. This collaboration aims to contribute to Ghana's economic development by streamlining customs procedures and fostering a more efficient trading environment. The WCO remains committed to supporting the GRA in achieving its strategic goals.
