Oakland Port is a key container terminal on the U.S. West Coast, strategically located and equipped with modern facilities. Over years of development, it has become a critical hub connecting North America with Asia-Pacific trade, dedicated to meeting intermodal transport needs and continually playing an important role in global trade.
Iwakuni Port, located in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan, is an important urban ferry port. It features advanced port facilities and a convenient geographical location, capable of accommodating large-tonnage vessels and enhancing shipping connections with surrounding ports. Iwakuni Port plays a crucial role in international trade, demonstrating strong development potential.
MSC has introduced its first 24,000 TEU super container ship to Africa, marking a new chapter in West African shipping history. This initiative aims to enhance regional trade connectivity, boost local economic development, and demonstrate MSC's long-term commitment to the African market.
The 300,000-ton bulk carrier "CBS Se Wol" is scheduled to arrive at the Port of Takoradi, Ghana, on January 27th, setting a new berthing record for West African ports. This will support Ghana Manganese Company in achieving its export targets, enhance the bulk cargo handling capacity of the Port of Takoradi, and solidify Ghana's position in West African maritime transportation. The port has implemented various measures to ensure safe berthing of the vessel.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) are jointly advancing the Rules of Origin 'Pool of Trainers' project in West Africa. A workshop held in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, aimed to enhance the capacity of West African customs administrations in implementing rules of origin. The initiative focuses on developing experienced trainers and establishing a sustainable training system to facilitate trade and economic development within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Since its takeover by the New Mocha Port Authority in 2022, New Mocha Port has emerged as a significant cargo hub on India's west coast. The port focuses on handling dry bulk, liquid bulk, and containerized cargo. In the future, efforts will be made to enhance service levels through infrastructure development and digital transformation, aiming to strengthen its global competitiveness.
The Port of Tacoma, located in Washington State, serves as a commercial hub on the U.S. West Coast. It offers convenient connections to Seattle and meets logistical demands through its deep-water berths and container terminals. The southern area, including the Hylebos Waterway and Blair Waterway, provides excellent shipping conditions that extend inland.
Foot Locker is opening a $40 million distribution center in Reno, Nevada. This investment will accelerate delivery speeds in the Western United States, enhancing customer experience by serving West Coast stores more efficiently. The new facility will expand the company's two-day delivery reach, improving order fulfillment and strengthening its overall retail strategy in the region. The distribution center represents a significant logistics upgrade for Foot Locker, allowing them to better meet the demands of their customers and compete effectively in the evolving retail landscape.
The West African Customs Administration Modernization (WACAM) project, funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), aims to enhance customs management in West Africa through regional workshops and national support. A recent resource mobilization workshop received positive feedback, and future efforts will focus on stakeholder relations. This initiative contributes to improving customs efficiency and promoting regional economic development in West Africa.
With the support of the World Customs Organization, Customs administrations of five West African countries (Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Mali, Senegal, and Togo) have launched the development of an electronic transit messaging system. This initiative aims to simplify cross-border transit procedures by standardizing data and sharing information, thereby improving regional trade efficiency and promoting the effective implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement. The system is expected to inject new impetus into the economic development of the West African region.
