Customs Commissioner Yogi Filemon Ruiz and the Economic and Commercial Counsellor of the Embassy of China in the Philippines Counsellor Yang Guoliang met to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries, particularly in terms of customs policies.

Counsellor Yang expressed their commitment to greater cooperation with the Philippine Bureau of Customs (BOC) in a courtesy call to Commissioner Ruiz.

Commissioner Ruiz shared his appreciation for the counselor’s support as the plans would help the speedy facilitation of the 7-point priority agenda of the BOC during his incumbency.

The Customs Chief also reiterated the Bureau’s zero tolerance to all forms of smuggling, especially on drugs.

Commissioner Ruiz and Counsellor Yang also vowed to work together to ensure a solid customs-business partnership through the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Program.

The AEO Program is one of the pillars of the World Customs Organization (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade which the BOC has committed to fully implement.

Commissioner Ruiz and Counsellor Yang showed mutual trust and pledged the success of this shared goal.

The Bureau of Customs, under the guidance of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., continues to strengthen ties with its international partners in the pursuit of its vision of becoming a customs administration that is among the world’s best.