Moldova Simplifies Ecommerce Customs with WCO Backing

Moldova Simplifies Ecommerce Customs with WCO Backing

With the support of the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), the World Customs Organization (WCO) held an e-commerce workshop for the Moldovan Customs Service (MCS) to enhance its cross-border e-commerce processing capabilities. By streamlining procedures, promoting information sharing, and aligning with WCO standards, the MCS aims to accelerate customs clearance, reduce costs, and integrate into the global e-commerce ecosystem. Follow-up technical assistance focusing on relief consignments will be provided to further improve customs efficiency.

Botswana Strengthens Environmental Enforcement at Borders

Botswana Strengthens Environmental Enforcement at Borders

The World Customs Organization, in collaboration with UNEP and others, held a workshop for Botswana Customs to enhance their understanding of the Basel and Montreal Conventions. This initiative aims to strengthen their capacity to control the cross-border movement of hazardous waste and ozone-depleting substances. The workshop supports Botswana in building a green border and similar activities are planned for other beneficiary countries. The goal is to improve customs' ability to enforce environmental agreements and protect the environment through effective border management.

WCO Enhances Azerbaijan Customs Training with Blended Learning Platform

WCO Enhances Azerbaijan Customs Training with Blended Learning Platform

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Azerbaijan Customs in implementing a blended learning approach. This involves launching a national e-learning platform that integrates WCO's e-learning resources with traditional teaching methods. The goal is to enhance the professional knowledge and skills of customs officers. This initiative marks an innovation in Azerbaijan Customs' training model and offers a valuable example for other countries to consider. This hybrid approach aims to provide a more flexible and effective learning experience for customs officials.

Uzbekistan Adopts APIPNR Data to Enhance Border Security

Uzbekistan Adopts APIPNR Data to Enhance Border Security

With the support of the World Customs Organization, Uzbekistan Customs actively introduced the Advance Passenger Information System by hosting a national API/PNR workshop. This aims to improve passenger control processes and build an automated risk management system. The initiative emphasizes data sharing and inter-agency cooperation to achieve precise supervision, improve customs clearance efficiency, and ensure national security. The implementation of API/PNR is expected to streamline operations and enhance the effectiveness of customs controls through a data-driven approach.

Botswana Modernizes Tax System with Datadriven Talent Upgrade

Botswana Modernizes Tax System with Datadriven Talent Upgrade

With the assistance of the World Customs Organization, the Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS) is implementing a competency-based human resource management system. This initiative aims to enhance tax collection efficiency and improve international competitiveness. The focus on capacity building and talent development is crucial for modernizing the tax administration and ensuring its long-term effectiveness in a globalized economy. This strategic approach is designed to equip the BURS with the skilled workforce necessary to meet the evolving challenges of tax administration.

WCO Backs HR Modernization for Customs in Senegal Gabon

WCO Backs HR Modernization for Customs in Senegal Gabon

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through the WACAM project, is providing human resource modernization support to the Customs administrations of Senegal and Gabon. This includes refining tools such as job catalogs and competency frameworks, as well as identifying change management actions. Both countries plan to validate the tools and launch pilot programs in early 2016. The project aims to improve the management efficiency of Customs in both countries and serve as a model for the West and Central African regions.

WCO Tool Boosts Risk Management for Jordan Customs

WCO Tool Boosts Risk Management for Jordan Customs

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a diagnostic assessment of Jordan Customs' risk management capabilities to support its efforts in enhancing risk management. The assessment covered four key areas: risk management policies, strategic planning, intelligence, and compliance, providing recommendations for improvement. The WCO's new diagnostic tool was piloted during this mission, offering valuable lessons for other customs administrations seeking modernization. Jordan Customs will develop an action plan based on the assessment findings, and the WCO will continue to provide support to its implementation.

WCO Enhances Ukrainian Customs Training Via RTC Reform

WCO Enhances Ukrainian Customs Training Via RTC Reform

The World Customs Organization (WCO) provides technical assistance to the Regional Training Center (RTC) in Ukraine to clarify its role and strategy in capacity building. By assessing the current situation, optimizing the governance structure, and developing strategic plans, the WCO helps the Ukrainian RTC enhance its training capabilities. This aims to better serve customs capacity building in Ukraine and throughout Europe. The WCO also recommends establishing a data monitoring system and strengthening data analysis capabilities to further improve the RTC's effectiveness.

Palestinian Customs Program Advances Leadership and Reform

Palestinian Customs Program Advances Leadership and Reform

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a leadership and management development workshop for Palestinian Customs, aiming to enhance the leadership and management skills of middle and senior managers. The workshop covered key areas such as leadership, personnel management, and change management, employing interactive teaching methods. It was funded by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and the EU Customs Fund. Participants expressed significant benefits and pledged to apply the learned knowledge to their practical work. This initiative contributes to capacity building within Palestinian Customs.

WCO Aids Georgia in Strengthening Anticounterfeiting Efforts

WCO Aids Georgia in Strengthening Anticounterfeiting Efforts

The Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO) highlighted the importance of intellectual property protection at an international conference on combating counterfeiting and piracy in Georgia. He presented the WCO's actions in fighting against counterfeit and pirated goods globally. He called for strengthened international cooperation to jointly build a defense line for intellectual property protection, safeguarding global health, security, and economic development. The WCO emphasizes collaborative efforts are crucial to effectively address the challenges posed by counterfeiting and piracy worldwide.