Georgia Joins Revised Kyoto Convention to Boost Trade

Georgia Joins Revised Kyoto Convention to Boost Trade

Georgia has officially joined the Revised Kyoto Convention, becoming its 116th contracting party, marking a significant step in its trade facilitation efforts. The Convention, considered the "gold standard" for global trade facilitation, promotes international trade development through simplified customs procedures and increased transparency. The World Customs Organization encourages more countries to join, working together to build an open and efficient global trade system. This accession highlights Georgia's commitment to streamlining trade processes and fostering economic growth through adherence to international standards.

WCO Enhances PICARD Standards to Strengthen Global Customs Operations

WCO Enhances PICARD Standards to Strengthen Global Customs Operations

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is upgrading the PICARD Professional Standards (PS) to adapt to the evolving global trade landscape. The updated standards will encompass key areas such as public-private sector cooperation, customs and tax function integration, and coordinated border management. It will also address emerging trends, security, trade facilitation, technological advancements, and project management. The WCO invites stakeholders to participate in capacity building initiatives to jointly promote global customs development. This collaborative effort aims to enhance customs efficiency and effectiveness worldwide.

Malawi Enhances Trade with Wcobacked Advance Ruling System

Malawi Enhances Trade with Wcobacked Advance Ruling System

In July 2018, the World Customs Organization (WCO) held a workshop in Blantyre to support Malawi in enhancing trade facilitation by implementing the advance ruling system and optimizing its customs classification system. Through expert training, current state analysis, and action plan development, Malawi aims to improve its legal framework, establish an advance ruling body, and strengthen personnel training. These efforts are designed to increase customs clearance efficiency, enhance trade certainty, and improve the business environment, ultimately promoting economic development in Malawi.

Iran Enhances Customs Via WCO Japanbacked AEO Program

Iran Enhances Customs Via WCO Japanbacked AEO Program

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with the CCF Japan, supported Iranian Customs in hosting a national workshop on Customs Procedure Informatization and the AEO Program. The workshop aimed to enhance customs clearance efficiency and strengthen border control through information technology. It also focused on upgrading the AEO program to promote trade facilitation and improve Iran's competitiveness in global trade. The initiative underscores the importance of digital transformation and international cooperation in streamlining customs processes and fostering economic growth.

Bahrain Hosts Regional WTO Trade Facilitation Workshop

Bahrain Hosts Regional WTO Trade Facilitation Workshop

In 2015, the World Customs Organization (WCO) held the 3rd Regional Workshop on the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) in Bahrain, aiming to promote understanding and implementation of the TFA in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The workshop brought together customs and trade experts to discuss key TFA provisions, technical assistance, institutional cooperation, and member case studies. During the event, Japan announced its ratification of the TFA, injecting new momentum into trade facilitation efforts in the MENA region.

Swedish Customs Chief Meets WCO on Digital Trade Modernization

Swedish Customs Chief Meets WCO on Digital Trade Modernization

The Director General of Swedish Customs led a delegation to visit the World Customs Organization (WCO), focusing on discussions about digital transformation, international cooperation, and trade facilitation. Emphasis was placed on leveraging information technology to enhance customs efficiency, strengthening information sharing, and jointly addressing global challenges. Appreciation was expressed for Sweden's significant support in WCO projects. This meeting injected new vitality into the future development of global customs, paving the way for enhanced collaboration and innovative solutions in the international trade landscape.

WCO Introduces New Audit Tools to Enhance Trade Facilitation

WCO Introduces New Audit Tools to Enhance Trade Facilitation

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has launched new Post Clearance Audit (PCA) tools to assist member customs administrations in enhancing trade facilitation. Developed through expert group meetings, the WCO created two key tools: the PCA Benefits Visualization Tool and the PCA Technical Reference. These tools are designed to help customs management and frontline auditors better understand and implement PCA effectively. By improving PCA practices, these tools aim to contribute to the healthy development of global trade and streamline customs procedures.

Thailand Sierra Leone Join Revised Kyoto Convention Enhancing Global Trade

Thailand Sierra Leone Join Revised Kyoto Convention Enhancing Global Trade

The Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) has surpassed 100 contracting parties, with Thailand and Sierra Leone's accession further boosting global trade facilitation. The convention aims to simplify and harmonize customs procedures by applying information technology and risk management, improving customs efficiency and reducing trade costs. The World Customs Organization (WCO) actively promotes the RKC's implementation and encourages more members to join, fostering global trade prosperity. The growing number of signatories demonstrates the international commitment to streamlined customs processes and enhanced trade efficiency.

Oman Advances Customs Modernization with WCO Support

Oman Advances Customs Modernization with WCO Support

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is supporting Oman Customs in developing a new strategic plan to facilitate its modernization reforms. Through workshops, both parties are focusing on results-oriented management, aiming to enhance trade facilitation, border security, and revenue efficiency. Oman Customs is committed to continuous reform, striving to create an efficient, secure, and transparent 21st-century customs administration, contributing significantly to the nation's economic development. The strategic plan is crucial for achieving these goals and aligning with international best practices.

Oman Customs Adopts WCO SAFE Framework to Boost Trade Security

Oman Customs Adopts WCO SAFE Framework to Boost Trade Security

In 2015, the World Customs Organization (WCO) assisted Oman Customs in implementing the SAFE Framework and AEO program. Through workshops, Oman Customs officials gained a deeper understanding of supply chain security, customs-business partnerships, and the AEO implementation process, leading to the development of action plans. This initiative aims to enhance Oman's trade security and facilitation, strengthen its international competitiveness, and promote economic development. The implementation of SAFE and AEO will contribute to a more secure and efficient trade environment for Oman.