The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has furthered its commitment to modernizing trade processes by strengthening its partnership with the private sector during the recent “Enabling Cross-Border Paperless Trade” seminar. The event was organized by the Pan Asian E-commerce Alliance (PAA) and hosted by InterCommerce Network Services Inc. at Makati City.

The seminar served as a platform to explore the adoption of digital technologies aimed at improving trade efficiency and expediting the implementation of cross-border paperless trade.

Key government officials from agencies such as Department of Trade and Industry Philippines (DTI), Department of Finance (DOF), Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), Board of Investments (BOI), Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) and Clark Development Corporation (CDC), alongside private sector representatives, were briefed by international experts and PAA members on the benefits of paperless trade, such as reduced processing times, cost savings, and enhanced transparency.

In his presentation, Mr. Yann Duval, Chief of the Trade and Policy Facilitation Division at the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), provided updates on the Framework Agreement for the Facilitation of Cross-Border Paperless Trade in Asia and the Pacific (CPTA). The agreement, which the Philippines has signed, aims to reduce trade costs and foster digitalization by enabling the exchange of electronic documents and enhancing cross-border interoperability.

Mr. Duval also highlighted the Philippines’ ongoing efforts to implement various paperless trade systems, improving efficiency and reducing trade costs. These initiatives align with the country’s broader goal of enhancing trade competitiveness.

The event concluded with a panel discussion participated by Atty. Jenny P. Diokno, Chief of the Export Coordination Division (ECD), along with other officials and experts, who shared their perspectives on improving trade efficiency and compliance in a digital economy. The participation of BOC officials underscored their commitment to supporting the digital transformation of trade processes. This aligns with the Philippines’ objective to enhance customs procedures and ensure the country’s active role in global trade, particularly through the adoption of secure, efficient, and paperless trade systems.

Commissioner Rubio expressed his appreciation for this public-private collaboration “By fostering collaboration between customs authorities and the private sector, the Philippines aims to create a more efficient, secure, and sustainable cross-border trade environment that benefits businesses, governments, and consumers alike.”