BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Asean’s collective commitment towards Customs modernisation, trade facilitation, digital transformation, and enforcement cooperation remains essential in supporting regional economic integration and strengthening Asean’s position within the global trading system, said Acting Controller of Royal Customs and Excise Department under Ministry of Finance Muhammad Azizil Hakim Brahim.
He said this during the 35th Meeting of the Asean Directors-General of Customs from Tuesday (June 2) to Thursday (June 4) in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
This emphasised the need for Asean Customs to strengthen strategic cooperation, embrace innovation, and foster sustainable and inclusive growth to remain responsive to future challenges and continue facilitating legitimate trade and safeguarding its borders effectively.
The meeting was chaired by Minister Attached to the Prime Minister, Director-General of the General Department of Customs and Excise of Cambodia Dr Kun Nhem, and attended by the representatives of all Asean member states (AMS) and the Asean Secretariat.
As the outgoing Chair of Asean Directors-General of Customs for the term of 2025-2026, Brunei Darussalam expressed its appreciation to all AMS and the Asean Secretariat for their unwavering support and cooperation throughout its chairmanship.
The meeting reviewed the progress of Asean Customs cooperation and deliberated on key initiatives aimed at strengthening regional Customs integration, trade facilitation, Customs modernisation, digital transformation, enforcement cooperation, risk management, and capacity building.
Among the issues discussed included enhancing supply chain resilience, facilitating legitimate trade, and leveraging emerging technologies aimed towards improving Customs efficiency and effectiveness in an increasingly dynamic global trading environment.
During the meeting, Muhammad Azizil Hakim also co-chaired the 24th Asean-China Customs Consultation together with Minister and Secretary of CPC Committee Member of the General Administration of Customs, the People’s Republic of China (GACC) Sun Meijun.
The meeting noted updates on Asean-China trade and Customs-related matters, along with the progress on Asean-China Customs Cooperation and proposals for future cooperation.
Brunei Darussalam remains committed to strengthening regional Customs cooperation and supporting the development of a modern, innovative, resilient, and integrated Asean Customs community that contributes to sustainable economic growth and prosperity in the region. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
