Bolivia Boosts Trade Efficiency with WTO Mercator Program

Bolivia Boosts Trade Efficiency with WTO Mercator Program

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through the Mercator Programme, provides follow-up strategic planning support to the Bolivian National Customs Administration (AN). This aims to assist AN in developing a multi-year strategic plan to enhance customs effectiveness and promote trade facilitation. This online workshop assessed the progress of AN's strategic plan development. WCO experts provided professional guidance, optimizing key performance indicators to support the modernization of Bolivian customs and contribute to national economic development.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Backs Timorleste in Customs Training Strategy Development

WCO Backs Timorleste in Customs Training Strategy Development

The World Customs Organization (WCO) provided technical assistance to Timor-Leste Customs, helping to develop a training strategy and plan for 2017-2019. This initiative aimed to comprehensively enhance the professional skills of customs officers, build a robust internal training center, promote customs modernization, and improve Timor-Leste's trade environment. The project is part of the WCO-Norway Customs Capacity Building Programme, which covers several developing countries and aims to improve their customs administration.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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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.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bolivia Enhances Trade Efficiency Through Global Program

Bolivia Enhances Trade Efficiency Through Global Program

The Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) has been launched in Bolivia to enhance customs modernization through capacity building. Funded by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and implemented by the World Customs Organization (WCO), the project covers areas such as risk management, advance rulings, and organizational development. A tripartite Memorandum of Understanding ensures the project's smooth implementation. This initiative aims to help Bolivia better comply with international trade agreements and promote economic development.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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World Customs Organization Boosts Modernization Advisor Team

World Customs Organization Boosts Modernization Advisor Team

The World Customs Organization (WCO) continues to expand its pool of Customs Modernization Advisors (CMAs) and Mercator Programme Advisors (MPAs) by holding certification workshops, such as the one in Pretoria, South Africa. This initiative aims to assist members in implementing the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). The workshop assessed participants, with 15 officials successfully completing the first step of certification. This effort will accelerate TFA implementation, improve customs efficiency, and promote global trade growth.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Swiss Customs Funds WCO Talent Program to Strengthen Global Trade

Swiss Customs Funds WCO Talent Program to Strengthen Global Trade

Swiss Customs is committed to long-term support for the WCO Francophone Africa Scholarship Programme, annually funding participants to enhance their management skills and master WCO standards. This program cultivates customs management talents with an international perspective through training and study visits, contributing to the sustainable development of global trade. Many current Directors General of Customs have benefited from this program. Switzerland's support reflects the customs family's shared commitment to the organization's development.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Serbia Boosts Trade with Businesscustoms Collaboration

Serbia Boosts Trade with Businesscustoms Collaboration

With the support of the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme, Serbia has established a Customs-Business Roundtable. This initiative aims to strengthen cooperation between customs and the private sector, address trade challenges, optimize policies, improve customs clearance efficiency, and enhance the overall trade environment, ultimately promoting economic growth. This marks a significant step for Serbia in trade facilitation, with the potential to attract more investment and build a prosperous trade future.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Zimbabwe Customs Adopts Wcobacked Elearning for Training

Zimbabwe Customs Adopts Wcobacked Elearning for Training

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through the Mercator Programme, is supporting the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) in adopting a blended e-learning training approach. This initiative aims to enhance customs capacity and facilitate trade. The program involves establishing an e-learning platform, training instructors, and reviewing the training system. Expected to launch by the end of the year and be extended to other courses, this marks a significant step in customs capacity building for Zimbabwe.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bolivia Customs Boosts Leadership to Streamline Trade

Bolivia Customs Boosts Leadership to Streamline Trade

Bolivia Customs, through participation in the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme, successfully conducted an executive training workshop on leadership and management development. This significantly enhanced the cohesion, trust, and negotiation skills of the senior management team. This initiative lays a solid foundation for addressing future challenges and provides valuable experience for other national customs administrations. The program's focus on leadership development is crucial for effective trade facilitation and building a strong, adaptable customs organization.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Dutch Customs Hosts WCO Training to Boost Global Trade

Dutch Customs Hosts WCO Training to Boost Global Trade

The Netherlands Customs Administration successfully hosted officials from the 50th WCO Fellowship Programme, offering in-depth learning opportunities in rules of origin and commodity classification to officers from Cameroon and Sierra Leone. Through expert exchanges, field visits, and training courses, the fellows gained a deeper understanding of the operations of the Dutch Customs and international trade. This initiative promoted international customs exchange and cooperation, fostering stronger relationships and shared knowledge among participating nations.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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