The WCO held a customs valuation workshop in Rwanda to enhance the capabilities of tax authority officials. The workshop covered topics such as the WTO Valuation Agreement and transfer pricing. The initiative aims to promote trade development by improving understanding and application of customs valuation principles, ultimately facilitating smoother and more efficient trade processes for Rwanda.
The WCO assisted Bahrain in enhancing its Post-Clearance Audit (PCA) and Pre-Arrival Processing (PAP) capabilities to align with the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. Bahrain committed to applying the acquired knowledge and skills. The WCO will continue to support Bahrain's customs modernization efforts. This assistance aims to improve efficiency and effectiveness in customs procedures, ultimately facilitating trade and economic growth for Bahrain.
A Financial Times article highlights China's unprecedented trade rise, reshaping the global economy. WTO accession was pivotal, transforming China into a major global supplier, causing US anxiety. Compared to historical trade shifts, China's rise is unparalleled in speed and scale. Despite challenges, China has significant opportunities, requiring continuous innovation, strengthened international cooperation, and the construction of a prosperous and stable global economy.
With the support of the WCO, Moldova has launched the 'Mercator Programme' to implement the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. This initiative aims to enhance trade efficiency, reduce costs, and ultimately promote economic development. The Mercator Programme is expected to streamline customs procedures, improve transparency, and foster greater regional integration. By simplifying trade processes, Moldova seeks to attract foreign investment and boost its competitiveness in the global market.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) is collaborating with the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority on a two-year program to assist Zimbabwe in effectively implementing the World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement. The program covers key areas such as risk management, information release, post-clearance audit, and freedom of transit. It also supports the work of the National Trade Facilitation Committee (NTFC) to promote trade development in Zimbabwe.
In 2014, the WCO and UNCTAD Secretaries-General met in Geneva, focusing on the harmonized implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). They emphasized providing needs assessments and technical assistance based on WCO instruments to avoid implementation divergence. Discussions also covered addressing complex cross-border trade issues, improving transportation and logistics efficiency. Both parties committed to further strengthening cooperation to build an efficient and transparent global trade system.
The WCO assessed Cameroon's customs valuation system to help it comply with the WTO Agreement, enhance revenue collection, facilitate trade, and reduce trade frictions. The assessment likely identified areas for improvement and provided recommendations for strengthening the system and ensuring its alignment with international standards. This support aims to improve Cameroon's trade competitiveness and contribute to its economic development by fostering a more transparent and efficient customs environment.
In June 2019, the World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a diagnostic mission to enhance the post clearance audit (PCA) capabilities of the Lesotho Revenue Authority (LRA). By assessing the LRA's institutional setup, infrastructure, and technical approaches, the WCO aimed to assist Lesotho in better implementing the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, optimizing trade processes, and fostering economic development. This collaboration demonstrates the WCO's vital role in global trade facilitation.
This document provides a unified interpretation of the WTO Valuation Agreement, offering an authoritative reference for customs valuation practices. Compiled by the World Customs Organization (WCO), it aims to facilitate international trade by promoting consistent application of valuation rules and reducing potential trade frictions. The document serves as a valuable resource for customs officials, traders, and anyone involved in cross-border transactions, ensuring a smoother and more transparent valuation process.
Bolivian Customs significantly enhanced its leadership team's strategic decision-making abilities and team cohesion through customized training, team building, and negotiation skills development at a high-level leadership and management development retreat. This initiative strengthened their foundation for addressing future challenges. The WTO-SECO Global Trade Facilitation Programme provided crucial support for this event, fostering improved leadership and collaboration within the Bolivian Customs administration to promote trade facilitation.
