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The future of customs: how technology and partnerships are paving the way for global trade (By Arnaud Bouraima)

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Arnaud Bouraima

Modern customs operations are complex and highly demanding, with millions in revenues depending on a smooth flow of goods through points of entry

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, December 19, 2024/APO Group/ — 

By Arnaud Bouraima, Deputy Chief Commercial Officer, Webb Fontaine Group (www.WebbFontaine.com)

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Technology Conference in Rio de Janeiro took place last November, but its energy and excitement remain vivid. It was clear that the global customs community recognizes the urgent need for transformation. Delegates from around the world agreed that the traditional customs processes are no longer sufficient to meet the demands of modern global trade.

Digital innovation is the key to unlocking the potential of our customs operations. By embracing advanced technologies, we can streamline processes, enhance security, and facilitate the seamless flow of goods across borders.

Technology is no longer simply a tool

Modern customs operations are complex and highly demanding, with millions in revenues depending on a smooth flow of goods through points of entry. Speed, accuracy, security, and resilience are key factors in ensuring this seamless process, and manual processes have made way for digital innovation provided by highly specialised service providers like Webb Fontaine. In their hands, technology has evolved from a mere tool to become the foundational framework of successful modern customs processes.

Technologies like AI, machine learning, and data analytics are fundamentally transforming customs operations, where every single touchpoint within a customs operation – each shipment, inspection, and cross-border movement- generates valuable data. Technology enables users to make sense of this data with solutions like centralised data systems and Single-Window (http://apo-opa.co/3VKa4zK) platforms.

By embracing advanced technologies, we can streamline processes, enhance security, and facilitate the seamless flow of goods across borders

Partnerships to elevate transformation efforts

However, having access to the technology without the specialist insights needed to use it to its full potential, serves no purpose. If technology is one of the pillars of an evolving customs operations, the other is strategic partnerships—having the right partner with expertise to help customs authorities use these technologies effectively. But, how to choose the right partner?

To this end, effective collaborations are as critical as the technologies themselves. Customs authorities should form strategic partnerships with those who can provide unique insights, those who know that international trade doesn’t happen in isolation, and those who understand the specific needs of each stakeholder in the trade process.

The importance of a holistic approach

This highlights the need for a holistic approach that considers the interdependencies among stakeholders and the various moving parts in the customs process. For instance, Webb Fontaine’s Webb Customs (http://apo-opa.co/3DoDIEw) is an advanced customs management system designed to modernise customs clearance processes while addressing the significant challenges in customs administration. It has been successfully deployed in Armenia, Costa Rica, the Philippines, Bahrain, Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates, Benin, and Nigeria.  

Understanding the industry’s complex nature, Webb Customs is a modular system that adapts to the needs of various customs authorities and operational environments. The outcomes are reduced trade barriers, efficient trade, and compliance with international standards, leading to smoother and faster clearance of goods. All are facilitated by the dual pillars of technology and human expertise.

In our vision, the future of customs is clear: Transforming customs operations is possible by adopting innovative technologies and forming strategic partnerships with the right providers to enhance efficiency, security, and compliance worldwide.

At Webb Fontaine, we’re passionate about shaping this future. We’re proud to have helped numerous countries around the world streamline their customs processes, and we’re excited to continue our mission of empowering customs authorities and facilitating global trade.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Webb Fontaine.

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Hong Kong’s Innovations Radiating Impact at CES 2025

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Largest-ever delegation of homegrown tech companies capturing global attention and potential business opportunities
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 January 2025 – Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) marked significant presence at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025 in Las Vegas, where a largest-ever delegation of 51 tech companies and institute at Hong Kong Tech Pavilions is capturing the attention of industry leaders, corporate partners and venture capitalists from global markets for business leads and investment opportunities. 

 Organized in collaboration with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and supported by the Hong Kong Electronics Industries Association (HKEIA), the delegation, brought together an array of cutting-edge solutions across advanced electronics, green tech, life & health sciences, and more. Home-grown solutions from HKSTP including smart irrigation system Rocket 2.0 by Full Nature Farms, assistive wearable Seekr by Vidi Labs, and World’s smallest 3-axis Micro Gimbal Stabiliser by Vista InnoTech, together with Mobile Ankle-foot Exoneuromusculoskeleton, a telerehabilitation device by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Thecon Technology, have been recognised by the CES Innovation Awards 2025.Albert Wong, CEO of HKSTP, remarked on the overwhelming success, “As an incubator, our ultimate goal lies in advancing the life of humankind. Be it breakthroughs to showcase at premier exhibitions like CES, or bridging between tech and talent with initiatives as Innovation Mixer does, HKSTP has been expanding our global footprint with great momentum in maximising salient achievements and potential opportunities over the years, that promises collaboration and confidence in carrying out our commitment to cultivate the I&T scene.”Part of its broader strategy to enable Hong Kong tech companies to scale globally and endow sustainable impact, HKSTP will be building on the momentum from CES, and continue the Innovation Mixer US expedition in San Francisco to actively engage with ambitious talent; and also in paving way for the second cohort of the Global Booster Programme, catered for stellar tech companies from Hong Kong to embark on an intensive six-month journey in the Silicon Valley to connect with all sorts of resources for technological advancements.About Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation
Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) was established in 2001 to create a thriving I&T ecosystem grooming 13 unicorns, more than 15,000 research professionals and over 2,000 technology companies from 25 countries and regions focused on developing healthtech, AI and robotics, fintech and smart city technologies, etc.Our growing innovation ecosystem offers comprehensive support to attract and nurture talent, accelerate and commercialise innovation for technology ventures, with the I&T journey built around our key locations of Hong Kong Science Park in Pak Shek Kok, InnoCentre in Kowloon Tong and three modern InnoParks in Tai Po, Tseung Kwan O and Yuen Long realising a vision of new industrialisation for Hong Kong, where sectors including advanced manufacturing, micro-electronics and biotechnology are being reimagined.Hong Kong Science Park Shenzhen Branch in Futian, Shenzhen plays positive roles in connecting the world and the mainland with our proximity, strengthening cross-border exchange to bring advantages in attracting global talent and allowing possibilities for the development of technology companies in seven key areas: Medtech, big data and AI, robotics, new materials, microelectronics, fintech and sustainability, with both dry and wet laboratories, co-working space, conference and exhibition facilities, and more.Through our R&D infrastructure, startup support and enterprise services, commercialisation and investment expertise, partnership networks and talent traction, HKSTP continues to contribute in establishing I&T as a pillar of growth for Hong Kong.More information about HKSTP is available at www.hkstp.org.

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Network International’s digital payment solution to power new Money Fellows offering in Egypt

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Network’s payment functionality to enable the first payment solution from Money Fellows, the leading money circles app

CAIRO, Egypt, January 8, 2025/APO Group/ — 

Network International (Network) (www.Network.ae), a leading enabler of digital commerce in the Middle East and Africa, has partnered with Money Fellows, the leading money circles app, to power a new solution that will leverage its best-in-class payment functionality.

Under the partnership, Network will provide Money Fellows with its ‘Digital Payments as a Service’ platform with value added services including advanced fraud prevention, fully secure payment functionality, as well as a full suite of back office managed services. This platform will enable Money Fellows to enhance the app’s versatility and user experience. Utilising its pan-regional experience, Network will support Money Fellows’ expansion across the Middle East and Africa region.

This collaboration signifies a major milestone in the fintech sector in the country that is currently experiencing rapid growth, aligning with the Egypt National Vision 2030 plan

Dr. Reda Helal, Group Managing Director – Processing, Africa & Co-Head Group Processing at Network International, said: “We are pleased to partner with Money Fellows to enhance their market offerings and competitiveness, while supporting the company’s expansion into new markets in the Middle East and Africa. This collaboration signifies a major milestone in the fintech sector in the country that is currently experiencing rapid growth, aligning with the Egypt National Vision 2030 plan.”

Ahmed Wadi, CEO & Co-Founder of Money Fellows, said: “We are thrilled to collaborate with Network International on this significant milestone for our company. We are taking this step with confidence, knowing we have the right partner in Network International to ensure the payment functionality and security that our users deserve. This launch marks a pivotal moment in our journey, reinforcing our leadership position in the market and setting the stage for our regional expansion.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Network International.

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Rolls-Royce supply electricity for Africa’s first rice straw Medium-Density Fibreboard (MDF) production facility

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The plant avoids the usual practice of burning rice straw, which is a by-product of rice cultivation, and ensures its sustainable use by repurposing it into MDF

LONDON, United Kingdom, January 8, 2025/APO Group/ —

  • Egyptian Wood Technology Company (WOTECH) relies entirely on mtu island solution for energy supply
  • Factory is the second of its kind in the world and the first in Africa, and reduces air pollution and CO2 emissions

Working with INDE and EMC, we were able to deliver a power solution that met all the customer requirements

Rolls-Royce (www.Rolls-Royce.com) has commissioned ten mtu gas gensets in the Beheira province in northern Egypt to supply the Egyptian Wood Technology Company’s (WOTECH) production plant with electricity. Since there is no access to the public grid, WOTECH relies entirely on the 20-cylinder mtu gas gensets, which together have a total output of 25 megawatts.

The factory produces medium-density fibreboard (MDF) from rice straw, which is used for furniture and buildings. Supported by Egypt’s petroleum ministry, the plant avoids the usual practice of burning rice straw, which is a by-product of rice cultivation, and ensures its sustainable use by repurposing it into MDF. The factory is the second of its kind in the world and the first in Africa. It significantly reduces air pollution and CO2 emissions in Egypt. The rice straw replaces traditional wood as a raw material in medium-density fibreboard, which is used to make cabinets, doors, furniture and commercial and residential buildings.

Rolls-Royce worked with local partner Engineering for Industries Co. (INDE) and the Egyptian Maintenance Company (EMC), a provider of engineering support services in the region, to supply the mtu Series 4000 L64 FNER gensets, controls and accessories for the WOTECH project, which was established with full Egyptian capital from the oil sector.

Tobias Ostermaier, President Stationary Power Solutions at Rolls-Royce, said: “When supporting a project such as the WOTECH facility, where there is no access to the grid utility, the dependability of our mtu gas-powered gensets is paramount. Working with INDE and EMC, we were able to deliver a power solution that met all the customer requirements – being efficient, reliable and offering the combination of best-in-class power density with low emissions.”

Each of the 10 mtu gensets has a rated power of 2,500 kW and an operational lifetime of up to 84,000 hours before needing major overhaul (TBO).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Rolls-Royce.

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