The Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the International Trade Center (ITC) recently convened virtually to discuss progress and prioritize activities under the ARISE Plus Philippines Project. The meeting was part of a work planning exercise aimed at fostering effective coordination among project partners and ensuring full ownership of key trade facilitation initiatives during implementation.

Designated as the lead for the Output 4 – Trade Facilitation component, the BOC, in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), oversees planning, implementing, and monitoring priority activities. These efforts are reported to the Technical Working Group (TWG) and Project Steering Committee (PSC) for alignment and accountability. As the ARISE Plus Project enters its final year, it continues to focus on enhancing the Philippines’ trade performance and competitiveness. Key areas include strengthening institutional and private sector capacities in e-commerce, the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Program, and risk management.

During the meeting, participants emphasized the importance of completing key deliverables related to e-commerce and the AEO Program. They agreed to finalize these deliverables by February 2025 to further streamline customs processes and improve trade facilitation.

The meeting also discussed updates on the Terms of Reference (TOR) for e-commerce components, focusing on the integration of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with digital platform providers into the broader Customs Memorandum Order (CMO), managed in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). This integration is vital to establishing robust frameworks for e-commerce activities.

The meeting also addressed the urgent completion of the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Operations Manual, a priority initiative for the BOC. The manual will incorporate updates to the AEO portal, reflecting recent system enhancements to streamline processes and enhance user experience.

As the ARISE Plus Project approaches its conclusion, the team remains committed to finalizing critical deliverables, including the e-commerce framework, the AEO Operations Manual, and related activities.

This ongoing collaboration with ITC underscores the BOC’s dedication to advancing trade facilitation, ensuring seamless goods movement across borders, and aligning with global standards. These efforts align with BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio’s priority to streamline customs procedures, benefiting stakeholders in the global trade ecosystem.