WTO DOHA AGREEMENT PROMOTES CUSTOMS CLEARANCE MODERNIZATION

WTO DOHA AGREEMENT PROMOTES CUSTOMS CLEARANCE MODERNIZATION    The World Customs Organization said it is ready to assist the World Trade Organization to the implement the Doha Ministerial Declaration.
   The WTO’s Doha Ministerial Declaration calls for more resources to modernize customs clearance procedures of developing countries. This marks the first time that all the parties have agreed to provide this type of assistance, said Michel Danet, secretary general for the Brussels-based WCO.
   Within its mandate, and in consultation with other organizations involved in international trade, the WCO has developed best practices and international instruments that will help create simplified and harmonized customs systems, Danet said.
   Danet added that technical assistance and “capacity building” are essential to'customs administrations in developing countries.