WCO Reports Palestines Progress in Mercator Trade Program

WCO Reports Palestines Progress in Mercator Trade Program

A World Customs Organization (WCO) assessment reveals Palestine's active participation in the Mercator Programme, which supports the implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement and simplifies trade procedures. The Palestinian Customs Administration has benefited significantly in areas such as tariffs and risk management, maintaining close ties with the private sector and neighboring customs administrations. The assessment lays the groundwork for future tailored support, and the WCO will continue to provide assistance to promote Palestinian economic development and regional trade facilitation. This collaboration aims to further streamline customs processes and enhance trade efficiency.

WCO Enhances Customs Valuation in Rwanda and Uganda

WCO Enhances Customs Valuation in Rwanda and Uganda

The World Customs Organization (WCO) provided technical assistance on customs valuation to the Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) and the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA). This assistance included diagnostic missions, thematic workshops, and SYDONIA World module assessments. The aim was to strengthen the professional capacity of both countries in the area of customs valuation and to promote regional cooperation and exchange in the customs field.

Malaysia Boosts Customs Oversight with WCO Audit Training

Malaysia Boosts Customs Oversight with WCO Audit Training

The World Customs Organization (WCO) successfully held a Post-Clearance Audit (PCA) training in Malaysia, aiming to enhance the customs' PCA capabilities and promote trade facilitation. The workshop covered PCA concepts, risk management, valuation, and auditing techniques, sharing case experiences from Japan and China. This training will help Malaysian Customs provide more convenient customs clearance services for enterprises while ensuring revenue collection, thereby promoting economic development. The training emphasized practical skills and knowledge transfer to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of post-clearance controls.

WCO Adopts New Tech to Transform Global Trade

WCO Adopts New Tech to Transform Global Trade

The WCO conference focused on emerging technologies, updating cross-border e-commerce standards, promoting customs digital transformation, and strengthening international cooperation. Discussions addressed how to leverage technology for trade facilitation while mitigating associated risks. Key priorities included enhancing global trade security and adapting to the challenges posed by disruptive technologies. The conference emphasized the importance of collaboration and innovation in navigating the evolving landscape of international trade and ensuring a secure and efficient global trading system.

Jamaica Customs Advances Strategic Plan with WCO Support

Jamaica Customs Advances Strategic Plan with WCO Support

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) in developing a three-year strategic plan. This plan aims to integrate customs reform, modernization, and trade facilitation measures. A workshop was held to build consensus and lay the groundwork for future collaboration. This initiative will support the JCA's modernization efforts and enhance Jamaica's national competitiveness. The strategic plan is expected to guide the JCA in streamlining processes, improving efficiency, and fostering a more conducive environment for international trade.

WCO Launches Online Academy to Train Trade Professionals

WCO Launches Online Academy to Train Trade Professionals

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has launched an online academy to enhance the customs expertise of global trade professionals. The academy offers online courses in areas such as the Harmonized System, Data Model, and Customs Valuation, providing self-paced learning, comprehensive solutions, and customized services. This initiative aims to promote trade facilitation, security, and compliance, ultimately contributing to global trade development. By offering accessible and flexible training, the WCO seeks to empower customs officials and trade stakeholders worldwide.

WCO Launches Virtual Leadership Program for Colombian Customs

WCO Launches Virtual Leadership Program for Colombian Customs

The World Customs Organization (WCO), at the request of the Colombian National Directorate of Taxes and Customs (DIAN), successfully conducted its first fully virtual Leadership and Management Development Programme. Focusing on leadership enhancement and crisis management, the program utilized innovative teaching methodologies and achieved significant results, improving the overall capabilities of individual participants, teams, and the organization. The Director General of DIAN highly praised the collaboration and expressed anticipation for future partnerships with the WCO to further organizational development.

Armenia Modernizes Customs with WCO for Ecommerce Growth

Armenia Modernizes Customs with WCO for Ecommerce Growth

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Armenian Customs in implementing the Mercator Programme, aimed at simplifying customs procedures, reducing trade costs, and improving efficiency. The program covers key areas such as advance rulings, risk management, and single window systems, with the goal of modernizing Armenian Customs and promoting its economic development. Other developing countries can learn from this example by actively participating in WCO projects to improve their own trade facilitation levels.

Lesotho Boosts Customs Valuation Via WCO Training Program

Lesotho Boosts Customs Valuation Via WCO Training Program

The WCO conducted customs valuation training in Lesotho to enhance the country's capacity, promote trade facilitation, and support the implementation of WTO agreements, ultimately improving the trade environment. This initiative aimed to strengthen Lesotho's ability to accurately assess the value of imported goods, leading to increased revenue collection and reduced trade barriers. By building local expertise in customs valuation, the WCO's training contributes to a more transparent and efficient trading system, fostering economic growth and regional integration.

WCO Group Tackles Disruptive Tech in Global Trade

WCO Group Tackles Disruptive Tech in Global Trade

The 44th meeting of the World Customs Organization's Private Sector Consultative Group (PSCG) focused on the impact of disruptive technologies on global trade. Key topics included cross-border e-commerce, public-private information exchange, and regional cooperation. Through high-level dialogues, the PSCG and WCO Policy Commission members explored the application of technologies like artificial intelligence and blockchain in the customs domain. These discussions aimed to build a more efficient and secure future for global trade by leveraging innovative solutions and fostering collaboration between public and private sectors.