The Bureau of Customs (BOC) Philippines successfully hosted the historic inaugural BIMP-EAGA Trade Facilitation Cluster Meeting on July 25 and 26, 2023, at the Port of Cagayan de Oro. Esteemed delegates, distinguished representatives, and high-ranking dignitaries from the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) member countries convened to mark a momentous milestone in regional cooperation and economic growth.

The Trade Facilitation Cluster played a pivotal role in the discussions, bringing together Customs, Immigration, Quarantine, and Security (CIQS) agencies from the member countries. The cluster focused on streamlining cross-border procedures, enhancing security measures, and fostering ease of doing business, with the primary goal of promoting seamless trade and travel within the region.

During the meeting, the transfer of the CIQS working committee to the Trade and Investment Facilitation Cluster was announced, joining SME Development and Statistics.

District Collector of the BOC Port of Cagayan de Oro, Erastus Sandino B. Austria, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all participants for their active engagement and valuable contributions to the success of this inaugural meeting. He emphasized, “Your participation and valuable input have contributed in making this meeting a resounding success. Together, we embark on a journey of collaboration, unity, and progress, paving the way for shared prosperity among our nations.”

The Philippine BOC led by Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio, remains committed in supporting the visions of BIMP-EAGA and pledges to uphold the agreed plans for Customs. Additionally, the Bureau aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s economic agenda, aiming to create more job opportunities by promoting investments and enhancing infrastructure.#