Kumasi Airport, located in Kumasi, Ghana, is the country's second-largest airport, just 3.5 kilometers from the city center. After a modernization renovation in 2015, a new terminal was constructed with upgraded landing systems. The airport primarily connects to the capital, Accra, enhancing air transport and economic development in the Ashanti Region. It is expected to become a regional aviation hub in the future.
The Quatro de Fevereiro International Airport in Luanda is undergoing a major expansion and renovation with an investment of approximately $153 million. Once completed, the airport's capacity will increase to accommodate 3.6 million passengers annually, with the addition of three parking lots and the implementation of automated management. This airport serves as Angola's primary international gateway, connecting various international airlines and enhancing the country's connectivity and global image.
The West Africa Customs Administration Modernization (WACAM) project aims to improve customs management and operational efficiency in West African countries. Through regional workshops and national support missions, it shares best practices in strategic management and provides capacity building support in areas such as human resource management, stakeholder relations, and resource mobilization. The project has successfully held resource mobilization workshops and will continue to advance stakeholder relations workshops, contributing to customs modernization in West Africa. The goal is to create more effective and efficient customs administrations.
WCO Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya's speech at the Postgraduate Institute of Management, Sri Lanka, highlighted the importance of knowledge, communication, and integrity, exploring the role of customs modernization in post-conflict economic reconstruction. Through the Master of Customs Administration program, research seminars, and meetings with government officials and business representatives, the Secretary General emphasized the crucial role of knowledge-driven approaches, public-private partnerships, and international cooperation in building an efficient trade environment. These elements are vital for fostering economic growth and stability in the region.
The China Port and Dock Association (CPHA), as the national industry organization, is committed to promoting the modernization of port infrastructure, enhancing international competitiveness, and fostering cooperation and information sharing within the industry. Additionally, it actively participates in the construction of the global shipping network and sustainable development.
Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has launched a historic modernization program for its feeder fleet, planning to invest billions of dollars to order 120 new ships between 2026 and 2029, primarily from Chinese shipyards. This initiative aims to replace aging vessels while reinforcing MSC's leadership position in the global shipping market.
South Asian countries like India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka are enhancing trade efficiency and convenience through customs modernization. Digital platforms, trade agreements, and policy improvements are driving innovations in customs procedures, injecting new momentum into regional economic growth and global market competitiveness.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) has launched a Data Quality E-Learning course to enhance data analysis skills of customs officials, ensuring data quality at the source and unlocking its value. The course covers data quality assessment, cleaning techniques, Python programming, and machine learning algorithm applications. It supports the intelligent transformation of customs departments and improves the accuracy of risk goods identification and tax revenue forecasting. The course aims to equip customs officials with the necessary skills to leverage data effectively for improved decision-making and operational efficiency.
Participants of the 91st World Customs Organization (WCO) training program have completed the second phase of their training. This program aims to enhance the capabilities of customs officials from developing countries and promote the modernization of their respective national customs administrations. The participants attended leadership workshops at the WCO headquarters and had exchanges with the Secretary-General. They are currently undertaking study visits in China, Japan, or Korea.
Finland is funding a WCO project to support customs modernization and enhance trade capacity in East and Southern Africa. The project is progressing well, focusing on five key areas including leadership and enforcement. The initiative aims to improve customs efficiency, security, and compliance with international standards, ultimately fostering regional economic growth and integration by strengthening customs administrations in the region.
