The Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Department of Finance (DOF) recently convened with the ASEAN-USAID Partnership Program to discuss the development of the Study on the New Generation ASEAN Single Window (ASW). This collaboration represents a pivotal advancement in enhancing the Philippines’ role in regional trade facilitation.

OIC Assistant Secretary Angelica I. Sarmiento led the discussion for the DOF, while MISTG Acting Deputy Commissioner Michael C. Fermin represented the BOC. The meeting also involved key stakeholders and the NSW-TWG Secretariat.

The session delved into the policy, legal, and technical aspects crucial to advancing the next-generation ASW. The Philippines’ challenges in crafting policies and technologies for electronic document exchange with trading partners and the ASEAN Single Window were addressed in detail.

Acting Deputy Commissioner Fermin emphasized the Philippines’ proactive measures, particularly the National Feasibility Study on Cross-border Electronic Exchange, supported by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP). The findings of the ESCAP National Feasibility Study were highlighted during the session with USAID-ASEAN.

Recommendations for enhancing the ASEAN Single Window system included improving technical compatibility with global trade systems, developing mobile-friendly versions, and implementing robust data quality control were also shared by Acting Deputy Commissioner Fermin. Further suggestions focused on enhancing data security, expanding electronic document exchanges, and improving accessibility for MSMEs were also discussed.

The ASEAN-USAID Partnership Program will provide the intermediate report on the New Generation ASW Study at the 68th TWG Meeting, which is slated to take place in Cebu City, Philippines, from September 10–13, 2024.

Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio reiterated the BOC’s commitment to improving trade relations, stating: “This partnership underscores the BOC’s dedication to advancing trade facilitation and strengthening the Philippines’ role in ASEAN and global trade.” He highlighted that the collaboration aims to drive significant improvements in trade processes.