ASEAN promotes the establishment of a common customs environment.

On May 7th, the 18th meeting of the ASEAN Customs Cooperation Committee (CCC) opened in Pampanga province, northern Philippines, with the participation of customs officials from 10 countries in the region, along with representatives from Japan, China, and South Korea.

Speaking at the conference, Philippine Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon emphasized the role of ASEAN customs agencies in establishing a common customs environment for the 10 economies in the region under the slogan "One ASEAN, One Customs."

Thai customs officials seized an Indian crocodile.
(Source: AFP/VNA)

Mr. Biazon argued that in the current trend of a global economy opening up, customs procedures in ASEAN member countries are being streamlined, trade barriers are being removed to facilitate faster trade, along with enhanced application of laws and regulations as well as customs capacity-building programs.

Mr. Biazon affirmed that globalization is a reality that ASEAN must face, and currently facilitating trade is at the forefront of regional economic activity. He also called on member states to work together to prepare for the establishment of a customs cooperation agency among ASEAN countries.

According to (VNA) - DT