The Bureau of Customs (BOC) successfully conducted the 2nd Customs Industry Consultative and Advisory Council (CICAC) General Assembly, which also marked the 8th Central CICAC meeting, on October 25, 2024. The event brought together the country’s leading importers, companies, industries, organizations, and foreign chambers to discuss streamlining customs clearance processes, achieving revenue targets, and addressing industry-specific challenges.

Hosted by International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), the event opened with a warm welcome from ICTSI Commercial Director – Philippine Cluster, Mr. Mikkel Puyat. In his remarks, he emphasized the importance of collaboration between the BOC and industry stakeholders to enhance trade efficiency. He highlighted ICTSI’s commitment in supporting the Bureau, stating, “ICTSI fully supports these initiatives and remains committed to being a key player in driving these changes forward. We believe that by working together, we can enhance the competitiveness of the Philippines as a trade hub, streamline our customs processes, and ensure that both the government and the private sector reap the benefits of a more robust, transparent and efficient trade environment.”

The meeting provided a vital platform for over 200 industry stakeholder representatives engaged in the meaningful discussions about pressing customs-related issues.

A discussion on the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program took place during the event, aiming to promote trade security, compliance, and faster customs processing for accredited operators. The assembly also welcomed nine new CICAC members, including various industry leaders and associations, who pledged their commitment in advancing the council’s objectives. Representatives from CICAC chapters across different ports presented their manifestos of support for ongoing customs efforts.

The Philippine Iron and Steel Institute presented a token of appreciation to Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio, recognizing his leadership and the BOC’s efforts to enhance transparency and efficiency in customs operations, underscoring the strong public-private partnership in trade improvement.

In his closing remarks, Commissioner Rubio emphasized the vital role of the CICAC in enhancing customs operations. He highlighted the council’s collaborative spirit and the diverse stakeholders working together to identify challenges and develop solutions. “Our discussions here at CICAC are integral to our ongoing collective efforts to improve our services and operations. The Bureau of Customs is fully committed in serving the public better,” he stated. Commissioner Rubio also expressed optimism about the continued success of CICAC’s initiatives, emphasizing that the insights and collaboration fostered during the assembly would significantly advance the BOC’s mission to facilitate trade while maintaining robust border security.