In Abu Dhabi, two new publications were introduced, the result of intense collaboration between IAPH and its institutional partners. On the first conference day, the Guidelines on Cooperation between Customs and Port Authorities were presented, a joint product of the World Customs Organization and IAPH. The guidelines provide clear and practical guidance on how both parties can better work together in order to improve the speed and predictability of trade flows, while ensuring the security and integrity of global supply chains. A practical approach has been taken with a variety of best practices covering advanced, emerging and developing countries with specific attention being paid to Small Island States to review their journey in the field of cooperation to accelerate digitalisation and sustainability. The case studies include inspiring examples from ports and customs authorities from Australia, Bulgaria, China, Germany, Guatemala, Italy, Indonesia, Jamaica, Morocco and the United States. You can view or download the WCO-IAPH guidelines here. The second publication was presented on Wednesday. Following 24 months of effort from 88 contributors, the World Bank and IAPH released the executive summary of Port Community Systems – Lessons from Global Experience. The report offers port communities a step-by-step guide to implementing a port community system (PCS) and explains its advantages for developing countries. The report is aimed at reducing the digital divide, with practical advice combined with concrete case studies of implementation in a diverse range of countries. It provides insights for policymakers, port authorities, and logistics providers on how to enhance PCS adoption and leverage its benefits. The study also clearly identifies where the gaps are in adoption, by examining PCS implementation in over 897 ports based on UNCTAD’s top ports listed in the Liner Shipping Connectivity Index covering 201 countries and territories. The report can be downloaded from the World Bank publication homepage. An introductory video is available here.
WCO deputy secretary-general Ricardo Treviño Chapa introducing the Port-Customs guidelines
World Bank Global Trade & Regional Integration manager Sebastien Dessus presenting the PCS report.
