WCO Aids Liberia in Boosting Customs Revenue

WCO Aids Liberia in Boosting Customs Revenue

At the request of the Liberia Revenue Authority, the World Customs Organization sent an expert mission to Liberia to strengthen its customs valuation and classification infrastructure. Through assessments, workshops, and recommendations, the mission assisted Liberia in implementing relevant World Trade Organization agreements and developing a strategy to terminate private sector inspection contracts. The goal was to enhance revenue collection, promote trade facilitation, and foster economic development within the country. The mission's work focused on building sustainable capacity and ensuring compliance with international standards.

China Customs WCO Discuss Trade Facilitation Measures

China Customs WCO Discuss Trade Facilitation Measures

A Chinese Customs delegation visited the World Customs Organization headquarters to engage in in-depth discussions on trade facilitation, coordinated border management, and the single window concept. The visit aimed to support the development of China's National Single Window and learn from international best practices to optimize border management. This initiative will help China play a greater role in global trade facilitation. The discussions focused on streamlining customs procedures and enhancing collaboration to improve efficiency and reduce trade costs.

Cape Verde Customs Modernizes with WCO Support

Cape Verde Customs Modernizes with WCO Support

The WCO, through the WACAM project, is assisting Cape Verde Customs in optimizing customs clearance procedures. A Time Release Study (TRS) was conducted to improve trade efficiency, reduce costs, and attract investment. The TRS aims to identify bottlenecks in the clearance process and provide recommendations for streamlining procedures. This initiative supports Cape Verde's efforts to enhance its competitiveness and integrate more effectively into the global trading system. The focus is on faster release times, which directly benefits businesses and promotes economic growth.

WCO Aids Paraguay Customs in HR Modernization

WCO Aids Paraguay Customs in HR Modernization

A WCO assessment of Paraguayan Customs' human resources revealed challenges in capacity, planning, and training. The WCO recommended improvements to the HR model, strategic planning, training programs, performance management, and IT application. Specifically, the assessment highlighted the need for a more robust and comprehensive HR framework to support the efficient and effective operation of Paraguayan Customs. Addressing these issues is crucial for enhancing customs administration and facilitating international trade.

Gambia Revenue Authority Adopts WCO Trade Facilitation Tool

Gambia Revenue Authority Adopts WCO Trade Facilitation Tool

The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) is collaborating with the World Customs Organization (WCO) to enhance trade facilitation capabilities through the WCO's Performance Measurement Mechanism (PMM). This initiative aims to assess customs performance, optimize operations, and promote economic development. The GRA is focusing on measures such as the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program and Coordinated Border Management (CBM) to align with the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement and provide a model for other developing countries. The PMM will help identify areas for improvement and track progress towards achieving trade facilitation goals.

World Customs Journal Highlights Global Trade Challenges

World Customs Journal Highlights Global Trade Challenges

The sixth issue of the *World Customs Journal* focuses on the impact of economic crises, regional trade agreements, and climate change on customs. It gathers insights from global experts, providing perspectives on understanding new challenges and opportunities in international trade. The articles emphasize the important implications of risk management, trade facilitation, environmental regulation, and international cooperation for the development of Chinese customs. It offers valuable insights into navigating the evolving landscape of global trade and the crucial role customs plays in it.

WTO WCO Boost Customs Valuation in St Lucia

WTO WCO Boost Customs Valuation in St Lucia

A joint workshop by the World Trade Organization and the World Customs Organization aimed to enhance Saint Lucia's customs valuation capabilities and optimize its trade environment. The workshop covered topics including the Valuation Agreement, technical analysis, dispute resolution, and risk management. The goal was to improve the expertise and skills of Saint Lucian customs officials, ultimately fostering the country's economic development. By strengthening customs valuation practices, Saint Lucia can promote fair trade and attract investment, contributing to sustainable economic growth.

Liberia Upgrades Tax Agency HR Systems with WCO Assistance

Liberia Upgrades Tax Agency HR Systems with WCO Assistance

With the support of the World Customs Organization (WCO), the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) is modernizing its Human Resource Management (HRM). This includes developing a job catalog and competency framework, as well as initiating capacity assessments and change management. Emerging as a model in West Africa, the LRA is progressing towards becoming a regional leader in HRM, offering valuable lessons for other developing nations. The modernization efforts aim to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the LRA's workforce.

WCO Program Enhances South African Tax Authority Efficiency

WCO Program Enhances South African Tax Authority Efficiency

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a Leadership and Management Development Workshop in South Africa to support the South African Revenue Service (SARS) in enhancing the capabilities of its middle managers and driving organizational reform. The workshop emphasized the importance of self-awareness, strategic management, people management, communication skills, and change management. Follow-up cooperation is planned to develop a regional center of expertise. Leadership and management development are crucial for organizational success, requiring continuous learning and practice.

WCO Upgrades Cargo System to Strengthen Trade Security

WCO Upgrades Cargo System to Strengthen Trade Security

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has released an upgraded version of its Cargo Targeting System (CTS) to enhance global trade security and facilitation. The new version features significant improvements in user interface, risk analysis capabilities, and data integration, and has been successfully deployed in several countries worldwide. This upgrade signifies the WCO's commitment to providing its members with more effective and sustainable cargo risk assessment and pre-shipment inspection capabilities to address increasingly complex global trade challenges.