The Bureau of Customs (BOC) met with the European Union-ASEAN Business Council (EU-ABC) and the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) on May 23, 2023, to strengthen trade and investment opportunities between the Philippines and European businesses, with a focus on supporting the resumption of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations between the Philippines and the European Union.

During the meeting, the BOC underscored the vital importance of private sector support in promoting its modernization program. The BOC’s one-stop-shop solution was highlighted as a means to streamline the clearance process for receiving donations during calamities. Furthermore, the BOC expressed its firm intention to transition to a paperless transaction system, emphasizing the significant benefits of electronic exchanges for internal operations within the BOC.

Deputy Commissioner Vener S. Baquiran of the Assessment and Operations Coordinating Group (AOCG) represented the BOC at the meeting, alongside Director Yasser Ismail A. Abbas of the Import & Assessment Service and Acting Chief Jonathan T. Soriano of the System Management Division-Management Information System & Technology Group.

Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio emphasized the BOC’s commitment to fostering a conducive business environment, facilitating trade, and promoting mutual prosperity between the Philippines and European counterparts, stating, “This collaboration represents a significant milestone in our efforts to strengthen economic ties with European businesses. By enhancing our modernization program and streamlining our processes, we aim to create a seamless and efficient trade environment that benefits both parties.”

The BOC is dedicated to driving the growth of trade and investment, and with this collaboration, it aims to position the Philippines as a premier destination for European businesses, creating opportunities for both regions.#