Philippines Calls For Integrated ASEAN Customs Union

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May 9 – The 18th Meeting of the ASEAN Coordinating Committee on Customs (CCC) opened this week at the Clark Freeport Zone in the northern Philippine province of Pampanga. During the key note presentation, Philippine Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon highlighted the important role played by the various customs agencies in Southeast Asia in establishing a One-ASEAN, One Customs environment within the region.

Biazon affirmed the Philippines continued support to link the customs bureaus of Southeast Asian countries in a bid to ease trade barriers and boost regional connectivity.

“Today’s meeting of customs chiefs shall, therefore, help pave the way for the establishment of integrated customs agencies among the ASEAN countries,” said Biazon.

Biazon noted the global economic trends which are streamlining the customs procedures of ASEAN nations. As trade barriers are being dismantled due to inter-ASEAN connectivity, customs laws and rules are being increasingly enhanced.

“Globalization is a reality we have to face and trade facilitation is at the forefront of this ASEAN economic endeavor,” he stated.