Global Trade Initiative Extended to Boost Sustainable Growth

Global Trade Initiative Extended to Boost Sustainable Growth

The Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP), jointly launched by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and the World Customs Organization (WCO), has been officially extended for another year. The program aims to simplify trade procedures, enhance transparency, strengthen international cooperation, and build capacity to promote global trade development. This extension provides beneficiary countries with more opportunities to further advance trade facilitation reforms and improve their competitiveness in global trade. It allows for continued support in streamlining customs processes and fostering a more efficient and predictable trading environment.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Gambia Revenue Authority Adopts WCO Strategy for Regional Leadership

Gambia Revenue Authority Adopts WCO Strategy for Regional Leadership

With the support of the World Customs Organization, The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) launched strategic management reforms to enhance organizational efficiency and strategic execution. Through assessment, roadmap development, and strengthening project management systems, the GRA aims to become a West African tax model, contributing to regional development. The reforms are expected to improve revenue collection, streamline processes, and foster greater international cooperation in tax matters, ultimately boosting The Gambia's economic growth and stability.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Sudan Customs Overhauls HR to Boost Trade Efficiency

Sudan Customs Overhauls HR to Boost Trade Efficiency

With the assistance of the World Customs Organization (WCO), Sudanese Customs has launched a Human Resources modernization project. This initiative aims to enhance the professionalism and efficiency of the customs workforce by establishing a competency-based management system. The goal is to better serve national economic development and international trade security. The project encompasses assessing the current management situation, developing practical tools, formulating a roadmap, and providing ongoing expert support. This comprehensive approach seeks to transform HR practices within Sudanese Customs.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Armenia Modernizes Customs with WCO for Ecommerce Growth

Armenia Modernizes Customs with WCO for Ecommerce Growth

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Armenian Customs in implementing the Mercator Programme, aimed at simplifying customs procedures, reducing trade costs, and improving efficiency. The program covers key areas such as advance rulings, risk management, and single window systems, with the goal of modernizing Armenian Customs and promoting its economic development. Other developing countries can learn from this example by actively participating in WCO projects to improve their own trade facilitation levels.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Lesotho Revenue Authority Upgrades HR System with WCO Assistance

Lesotho Revenue Authority Upgrades HR System with WCO Assistance

With the support of the World Customs Organization (WCO), the Lesotho Revenue Authority (LRA) is actively modernizing its human resource management. Through capacity building and process optimization, the LRA aims to establish an efficient and strategically aligned HR system, becoming a model within the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) region. This article details the LRA's actions, WCO's support, and the challenges and opportunities faced. It also looks ahead to the LRA's future development in the field of human resource management.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Ethiopia Boosts Customs Efficiency with WCO Audit Program

Ethiopia Boosts Customs Efficiency with WCO Audit Program

A WCO assessment report highlights challenges faced by Ethiopia's Post Clearance Audit (PCA). Recommendations include strengthening legal frameworks, improving risk management practices, and enhancing IT infrastructure. These improvements aim to increase the efficiency of customs control and facilitate trade. Addressing these areas is crucial for Ethiopia to optimize its customs operations and contribute to regional and global trade competitiveness. Successful implementation will require sustained commitment and strategic resource allocation.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Russian Customs Struggles with Rigid Performance Metrics

Russian Customs Struggles with Rigid Performance Metrics

The Russian customs performance evaluation system faces issues such as complex and rigid indicators, and an overemphasis on results rather than processes, leading to inefficient resource allocation and difficulty in meeting public needs. This paper suggests building a scientific performance evaluation system by clarifying assessment goals, simplifying the indicator system, introducing external evaluation, and strengthening process management. The aim is to improve customs efficiency and transparency.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Chinese Cargo Owners Unite Against Maersks Seal Fee Spark Controversy in Shipping Industry

Chinese Cargo Owners Unite Against Maersks Seal Fee Spark Controversy in Shipping Industry

Chinese cargo owners have united to protest against Maersk over disputes regarding sealing fees, marking a significant shift in foreign trade companies' response to unreasonable charges. Three major associations in Xiamen have strongly condemned Maersk's actions, urging for the protection of cargo owner rights and greater industry transparency. This issue transcends mere fee disputes, as it holds profound implications for the future development of the maritime shipping industry.

07/28/2025 Logistics
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