IPNEWS: The World Customs Organization (WCO) has successfully concluded a week-long diagnostic mission in Liberia to support the Liberia Revenue Authority’s implementation of an internationally recognized Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Program, reinforcing the country’s customs modernization and trade facilitation agenda.
Conducted under the WCO Accelerate Trade Facilitation Program and funded by His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) of the United Kingdom, the mission assessed Liberia’s readiness to implement the AEO Program in line with international standards while identifying the institutional and operational measures required for successful implementation.
Once introduced, the AEO Program will strengthen partnerships between Customs and the business community, facilitate the movement of legitimate trade, improve compliance, enhance border management, and reinforce Liberia’s competitiveness as a regional trading hub within the ECOWAS region.
Speaking at the close of the training in Monrovia, Assistant Commissioner for Customs Port Operations Edwin F. Kendema commended the WCO team for the technical expertise and practical guidance provided throughout the mission.
He reaffirmed the Liberia Revenue Authority’s commitment to advancing the initiative through continued collaboration with the World Customs Organization, the private sector, and other stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the AEO Program and further strengthen Liberia’s trade facilitation agenda.
World Customs Organization Trade Facilitation Expert Yasmeen Elahi praised LRA Customs officers for their professionalism, active participation, and strong commitment throughout the mission. She said the diagnostic exercise identified the remaining gaps between Liberia’s existing Trusted Traders Program and internationally recognized AEO standards while drawing on global best practices to guide the strengthening and alignment of the current program.
She congratulated participants on successfully completing the mission and expressed confidence that Liberia is well positioned to build an internationally recognized AEO program that will deliver lasting benefits to customs, the private sector, and the country’s economy.
Also speaking, Angelina Yurkova and David Tanenbaum of the WCO Accelerate Trade Facilitation Program commended participants for their active engagement throughout the week and reaffirmed the WCO’s continued commitment to supporting Liberia as it advances toward full implementation of the AEO Program.
The training was also conducted by WCO AEO expert Nnenna Ugo-Awa of the Nigeria Customs Service. The initiative forms part of the Liberia Revenue Authority’s broader customs modernization strategy to strengthen border management, facilitate legitimate trade, improve compliance, and enhance supply chain security.
Once operational, the AEO Program is expected to deliver faster cargo clearance, more efficient border operations, increased predictability for compliant traders, and greater confidence among businesses and investors, further positioning Liberia as a competitive and trusted trading partner in the ECOWAS region.
