Zimbabwe Enhances Crossborder Trade with Risk Management Training

Zimbabwe Enhances Crossborder Trade with Risk Management Training

The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, with support from the WCO and HMRC, successfully conducted a risk management workshop. This initiative empowered cross-border regulatory agencies, enhanced risk management capabilities, and promoted trade facilitation. By strengthening risk management practices and coordinating border management efforts, Zimbabwe is building a more efficient and secure environment for cross-border trade. The workshop aimed to equip officials with the necessary skills to identify and mitigate risks associated with international trade, ultimately contributing to economic growth and improved border security.

Global Trade Adopts Coordinated Border Management for Security

Global Trade Adopts Coordinated Border Management for Security

Coordinated Border Management (CBM) aims to enhance trade efficiency while ensuring security and compliance. It requires inter-agency cooperation, risk management, and political support to address challenges and achieve mutual benefits for all stakeholders. CBM seeks to streamline processes, reduce costs, and improve the overall competitiveness of international trade. Effective implementation necessitates a holistic approach that considers both economic and security imperatives, fostering a collaborative environment between border agencies and trading communities. Ultimately, CBM contributes to sustainable economic growth and enhanced national security.

WCO Launches Online Training for Strategic Trade Controls

WCO Launches Online Training for Strategic Trade Controls

The WCO STCE project held an online Train-the-Trainers workshop to enhance experts' remote teaching skills, enabling them to effectively deliver strategic trade control courses. The course was divided into two phases, covering online teaching techniques, new curriculum experience, and practical exercises. Participants from 14 customs administrations actively participated, improving their online teaching skills and contributing to global strategic trade control. The workshop strengthens the capacity of trainers to deliver high-quality STC training remotely, expanding the reach and impact of the STCE program.

Africa Customs Modernizes with EUWCO Trade System Update

Africa Customs Modernizes with EUWCO Trade System Update

The EU-WCO Harmonized System (HS) Africa Programme aims to enhance customs management in Africa by standardizing commodity classification, facilitating regional trade, and supporting the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The inaugural meeting of the Steering Committee marks the substantial advancement of the project. All parties will collaborate to build a new landscape for African trade. The program seeks to streamline customs procedures, reduce trade barriers, and promote economic growth across the continent through harmonized standards and improved efficiency.

WCO Shanghai Conference Focuses on Trade Facilitation Partnerships

WCO Shanghai Conference Focuses on Trade Facilitation Partnerships

At the IFCBA Conference in Shanghai, the WCO emphasized customs-business cooperation to promote trade facilitation. Key focuses included the Belt and Road Initiative and capacity building for customs brokers. The WCO highlighted the importance of collaboration between customs administrations and the private sector in streamlining trade procedures and reducing barriers. This cooperation is crucial for achieving efficient and secure global trade flows, particularly within the context of the Belt and Road Initiative's ambitious infrastructure and connectivity goals. Strengthening the skills and expertise of customs brokers is also vital for smooth and compliant trade operations.

Tajikistan Adopts Harmonized System Codes to Boost Trade

Tajikistan Adopts Harmonized System Codes to Boost Trade

Tajikistan hosted its first national workshop on the WCO Harmonized System (HS) to enhance customs commodity classification capabilities and align with international standards. The workshop covered the HS Convention, best practices in tariff classification, and the use of WCO tools. The IFC expressed appreciation for the cooperation between the WCO and Tajik Customs. This workshop marks a significant step for Tajikistan in the field of tariff classification, creating a fairer trading environment for businesses.

WCO Enhances Nigeria Ghana Customs to Boost Trade

WCO Enhances Nigeria Ghana Customs to Boost Trade

With WCO support, Nigeria and Ghana jointly organized a training of trainers program on valuation, aiming to enhance customs valuation capabilities and promote trade facilitation in both countries. Following the termination of contracts with private inspection companies and the return of valuation responsibilities to customs, this training covered technical valuation, valuation control, and trainer skills. The goal is to strengthen the national valuation trainer pool in both countries, injecting new momentum into trade development in West Africa. This initiative is expected to improve valuation accuracy and efficiency, ultimately contributing to smoother trade flows.

Moldova Boosts Trade Via Mercator Program WTO Deal

Moldova Boosts Trade Via Mercator Program WTO Deal

Moldova, with support from Switzerland and the WCO, has launched the "Mercator Program" to streamline customs procedures, improve trade efficiency, and foster economic growth and regional cooperation. The initiative aims to reduce trade barriers, simplify documentation, and enhance transparency in cross-border trade. By implementing modern customs practices and technologies, Moldova seeks to boost its competitiveness and integrate further into the global economy. The Mercator Program is expected to contribute significantly to Moldova's economic development and strengthen its position as a reliable trading partner.

Uzbekistan Unveils Major Customs Reform to Boost Trade

Uzbekistan Unveils Major Customs Reform to Boost Trade

Uzbekistan launched the second phase of the Global Trade Facilitation Program (GTFP), aiming to enhance customs capabilities, optimize trade processes, reduce trade costs, and promote cross-border trade development. The project will focus on organizational development and trade facilitation, leveraging WCO capacity-building tools to upgrade Uzbekistan's customs system, injecting new momentum into economic growth. This initiative seeks to streamline procedures, improve efficiency, and ultimately contribute to a more competitive and integrated trading environment for Uzbekistan.

WCO Conference in Shenzhen Advances Secure Inclusive Trade

WCO Conference in Shenzhen Advances Secure Inclusive Trade

The WCO Conference in Shenzhen focused on AEO promoting inclusive and sustainable trade. It emphasized AEO's role in economic security, empowering SMEs, and driving technological advancements. The 'Shenzhen Action Plan' will guide future work, aiming to enhance global trade facilitation and security through AEO programs. The conference highlighted the importance of international cooperation in implementing and expanding AEO initiatives to foster a more resilient and secure global supply chain, ultimately benefiting all stakeholders involved in international trade.