The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a Competency-Based Human Resource Management (CBHRM) workshop for the Serbian government, aiming to enhance human resource management and promote customs modernization within Serbian Customs. The workshop covered strategic HRM, HRM systems, the CBHRM framework, and project management. This initiative supports Serbian Customs in building a talent-driven organization.
WCO, in collaboration with JICA and Japan Customs, is supporting Pacific Island Countries in building a pool of customs experts through training programs. This initiative aims to enhance their customs enforcement capabilities and promote trade facilitation. The project focuses on strengthening regional cooperation and improving customs administration in the Pacific region, ultimately contributing to economic growth and security.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) donated €3,320 to the Reine Marie-Henriette Children's Home in Brussels to purchase playground equipment, enhancing children's cognitive and motor skills. This action demonstrates the WCO's commitment to social responsibility and its care for vulnerable groups. It also reflects the important social responsibilities that international organizations bear while promoting global development.
The WCO held a customs valuation workshop in Rwanda to enhance the capabilities of tax authority officials. The workshop covered topics such as the WTO Valuation Agreement and transfer pricing. The initiative aims to promote trade development by improving understanding and application of customs valuation principles, ultimately facilitating smoother and more efficient trade processes for Rwanda.
This article introduces several tools and services provided by the World Customs Organization (WCO), including trade tools, a publication store, customs enforcement networks, an online learning platform, and a single window interactive map. These resources aim to promote the standardization and efficiency of international trade, enhance the capabilities of customs professionals, and ultimately contribute to the sustainable development of the global economy.
Bahamas Customs, in collaboration with the WCO, significantly enhanced its capacity to combat counterfeit goods through TRIPS/IPR workshops and practical exercises. Customs officers not only acquired new skills but also strengthened their awareness of intellectual property protection. This initiative lays the foundation for building a secure and fair market environment, contributing to the overall effort of safeguarding legitimate trade and consumer rights.
Finland is funding a WCO project to support customs modernization and enhance trade capacity in East and Southern Africa. The project is progressing well, focusing on five key areas including leadership and enforcement. The initiative aims to improve customs efficiency, security, and compliance with international standards, ultimately fostering regional economic growth and integration by strengthening customs administrations in the region.
The Philippines has launched a National Customs Time Study at the Manila International Container Port, aimed at enhancing customs clearance efficiency in maritime trade. Supported by the WCO and the UK's HMRC, the project will employ a data-driven approach to identify bottlenecks, with the final report expected by the end of 2025. This study will serve as a foundation for future trade facilitation and national coordination.
With the support of WCO and Eurocustoms, Albanian Customs held a laboratory modernization workshop in 2017, aiming to enhance commodity classification and identification capabilities. Through hardware upgrades, quality management system improvements, personnel skill development, and international cooperation, Albania is committed to building a modern and internationally competitive customs laboratory. This initiative seeks to promote trade facilitation, ensure regulatory compliance, and ultimately contribute to the nation's economic development.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) jointly launched the "Master Trainer Programme" to develop customs valuation experts in Pacific Island Countries. This initiative aims to establish a regional training system, enhance customs valuation capabilities, facilitate trade, increase revenue collection, and improve international competitiveness. The first working group activity has been successfully held, laying a solid foundation for future actions.
