Turkey Boosts Trade Ties to Spur Postpandemic Recovery

Turkey Boosts Trade Ties to Spur Postpandemic Recovery

Turkey hosted its first International Customs Trade Conference, where the Secretary-General of the World Customs Organization emphasized Turkey's importance as a global supply chain hub. He called for strengthened customs and trade cooperation to facilitate post-pandemic economic recovery. Turkey is committed to customs modernization and enhanced international collaboration to address global trade challenges and promote economic development. The conference highlighted the need for streamlined processes and innovative solutions to ensure efficient and secure trade flows in a rapidly changing global landscape.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Global Trade Boosted by Unique Customs Reference Codes

Global Trade Boosted by Unique Customs Reference Codes

The Unique Consignment Reference (UCR) serves as an "electronic staple" in international trade, aiming to connect various stages of trade, improve customs supervision efficiency, and facilitate trade. This article delves into the definition, objectives, characteristics, and implementation challenges of UCR, and explores its future development trends. It emphasizes the crucial role of UCR in customs modernization and provides recommendations for companies to address the implementation of UCR. The UCR's potential to streamline processes and enhance security in global trade is highlighted.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Cuba Adopts WCO Data Model to Modernize Customs

Cuba Adopts WCO Data Model to Modernize Customs

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supports Cuban Customs in implementing the WCO Data Model through technical assistance. This initiative aims to streamline trade processes, enhance efficiency, and promote data interoperability with other government agencies. The WCO Data Model, serving as a common language for global trade, facilitates the modernization of Cuban Customs by standardizing data elements and information structures. This integration into the global trade system will ultimately improve Cuba's international competitiveness.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Colombia Mexico Boost Customs Risk Management Via GTFP

Colombia Mexico Boost Customs Risk Management Via GTFP

Supported by the WCO-SECO GTFP project, Colombian Customs visited Mexican Customs to learn about risk management practices and enhance its modernization. The visit combined online and offline sessions, focusing on risk identification, assessment, control, departmental collaboration, and IT infrastructure. This cooperation aims to promote trade facilitation and address global trade challenges. The knowledge gained will help Colombia improve its risk management system and contribute to more efficient and secure trade processes.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Ethiopia Modernizes Customs Tariffs to Meet Global Norms

Ethiopia Modernizes Customs Tariffs to Meet Global Norms

Ethiopia is accelerating the modernization of its tariff classification system to align with international standards, aiming to facilitate trade and promote economic growth. With support from the EU-WCO Africa HS Project, the Ethiopian Customs Commission is working to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and strengthen capacity building to adapt to the evolving global trade environment. This initiative seeks to simplify customs procedures, reduce trade barriers, and enhance Ethiopia's competitiveness in the international market.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Kumasi Airport Modernization Boosts Ghana's Ashanti Region Economy

Kumasi Airport Modernization Boosts Ghana's Ashanti Region Economy

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.

07/29/2025 Logistics
Read More
Angola's Luanda Airport Expands with $153M Modernization Project

Angola's Luanda Airport Expands with $153M Modernization Project

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.

07/29/2025 Logistics
Read More
WACAM Project Advances Customs Modernization in West Africa

WACAM Project Advances Customs Modernization in West Africa

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.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Urges Modernization to Boost Sri Lankas Economy

WCO Urges Modernization to Boost Sri Lankas Economy

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.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Backs Ethiopias Customs Modernization with Talent Assessment

WCO Backs Ethiopias Customs Modernization with Talent Assessment

WCO assists Ethiopian Customs in improving human resource management, promoting modernization. Experts recommend optimizing recruitment, training, and performance evaluation, providing a reference for developing countries. The focus is on building a skilled and motivated workforce to support customs reforms and enhance operational efficiency. This initiative aims to strengthen Ethiopia's capacity to effectively manage its borders and facilitate trade, ultimately contributing to economic growth and regional integration. The recommendations offer practical guidance for other developing countries seeking to modernize their customs administrations.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More