Serbia Boosts Customs Efficiency with WTO Swiss Trade Aid

Serbia Boosts Customs Efficiency with WTO Swiss Trade Aid

With the support of the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), Serbian Customs is upgrading its Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program. This aims to improve customs clearance efficiency and attract more business participation. Through capacity building, strategic optimization, and dialogue with the private sector, Serbia's AEO program will better align with international standards, providing businesses with a more convenient trading environment and promoting economic development. The upgrades focus on streamlining processes and enhancing security within the supply chain.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Swiss Customs Funds WCO Talent Program to Strengthen Global Trade

Swiss Customs Funds WCO Talent Program to Strengthen Global Trade

Swiss Customs is committed to long-term support for the WCO Francophone Africa Scholarship Programme, annually funding participants to enhance their management skills and master WCO standards. This program cultivates customs management talents with an international perspective through training and study visits, contributing to the sustainable development of global trade. Many current Directors General of Customs have benefited from this program. Switzerland's support reflects the customs family's shared commitment to the organization's development.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Central America Adopts Kyoto Convention to Modernize Customs

Central America Adopts Kyoto Convention to Modernize Customs

The Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO)-World Customs Organization Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) launched an assistance program in Central America to help countries adopt the Revised Kyoto Convention, simplify customs procedures, and promote trade facilitation. Through workshops, self-assessments, and capacity building, the project will support Central America in improving customs management and integrating into the global trade system. The initiative aims to enhance efficiency and transparency in customs operations across the region.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Serbian Delegation Studies Uzbekistans Customs Reforms

Serbian Delegation Studies Uzbekistans Customs Reforms

A Serbian Customs delegation visited Uzbekistan to learn about its experiences in digitalization, human resources, and trade facilitation. The visit highlighted Uzbekistan's progress in these areas, supported by projects from the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO). The Serbian delegation aimed to gain insights and best practices to inform their own customs reform efforts, focusing on leveraging technology and data to improve efficiency and streamline trade processes. The exchange fostered collaboration and knowledge sharing between the two customs administrations.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bangladesh Enhances Trade Efficiency with Wcobacked Study

Bangladesh Enhances Trade Efficiency with Wcobacked Study

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) held a strategic dialogue with the National Board of Revenue (NBR) of Bangladesh in February 2021 to strengthen Bangladesh's Time Release Study (TRS) capabilities. The meeting reviewed Bangladesh Customs' TRS experience and developed a future action plan to improve clearance efficiency and promote trade facilitation. The aim is to streamline processes and reduce the time required for goods to be released from customs control, ultimately boosting trade competitiveness.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bolivia Enhances Trade Efficiency Through Global Program

Bolivia Enhances Trade Efficiency Through Global Program

The Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) has been launched in Bolivia to enhance customs modernization through capacity building. Funded by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and implemented by the World Customs Organization (WCO), the project covers areas such as risk management, advance rulings, and organizational development. A tripartite Memorandum of Understanding ensures the project's smooth implementation. This initiative aims to help Bolivia better comply with international trade agreements and promote economic development.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Moldova Streamlines Aid Clearance Via WCO Trade Program

Moldova Streamlines Aid Clearance Via WCO Trade Program

The Swiss-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) continues to support the Moldovan Customs Service in enhancing the efficiency of clearing humanitarian aid supplies. This is achieved through stakeholder workshops and the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The project aims to foster collaboration among stakeholders, streamline processes, and ensure the rapid delivery of relief goods, aligning with relevant provisions of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. The initiative focuses on simplifying customs procedures related to humanitarian assistance entering Moldova.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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SECOWCO GTFP Phase II Aims to Enhance Global Trade

SECOWCO GTFP Phase II Aims to Enhance Global Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) officially launched the second phase of the Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP). This initiative aims to build upon the achievements of the first phase, further promoting international trade development, strengthening customs organizational capacity, and fostering the application of international standards and best practices. It seeks to inject new vitality into global trade facilitation and contribute to the construction of an open, inclusive, balanced, and win-win global trade system.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Swiss Worldcargo Joins Transatlantic Air Cargo Alliance

Swiss Worldcargo Joins Transatlantic Air Cargo Alliance

Swiss International Freight is set to officially join the transatlantic transport alliance of United Cargo and Lufthansa Cargo in 2025, aiming to enhance customer transport flexibility and choice through a dense route network. This collaboration will optimize shipping resources, resulting in more efficient and reliable cargo transportation services.

07/18/2025 Logistics
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