The Philippine (PH) Bureau of Customs (BOC) and Hong Kong (HK) Customs conducted a joint validation visit under the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program at Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. (TMPC) on June 18, 2024, in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. This is in line with the Philippines-Hong Kong Joint Action Plan on AEO Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) signed on 30 November 2023.
This collaborative effort aims to enhance international cooperation, ensuring implementation of international standards in trade facilitation and security across both nations.
TMPC, an accredited Level 2 member of the AEO program, presented their operations and compliance to AEO program criteria, including comprehensive record-keeping, advanced IT systems, robust personnel management, and stringent physical access controls.
The Philippine Bureau of Customs, led by Ms, Gladys Cabugawan, Account Manager, Accreditation Unit, Interim AEO Office and Chief of the Central Records Management Division, alongside the Hong Kong Customs, led by Simon Lee, Senior Superintendent and Head of the Office of Trade Relations and Public Communication, conducted an on-site validation of TMPC to showcase the AEO accreditation and validation process of the Philippines.
Key representatives from BOC included Atty. Jenny P. Diokno, Chief, Export Coordination Division and incoming Head, Interim AEO Office; Coll. Wilnora Cawile, Head, Mutual Recognition, Statistical and Records Management Unit, AEO Interim Office and Deputy Collector for Operations, Port of Ninoy Aquino International Airport; Christian Tibo, Head Accreditation Unit, AEO Interim Office; and Atty. Ruther N. Martinez, Head Post Validation Unit, AEO Interim Office.
Mr. Lee expressed gratitude to BOC for hosting the second validation meeting and likewise commended the detailed validation procedure of the Philippines. He further underscored its significance in deepening understanding of AEO frameworks and standards, thereby advancing Philippine customs administration and fostering enhanced trade with Hong Kong.
Atty. Diokno emphasized, “This Joint Validation Visit solidifies the commitment of the Philippines and Hong Kong to transparency and trust between customs authorities and businesses, paving the way for the PH-HK AEO MRA.”
Following the successful validation, BOC and Hong Kong Customs convened to discuss the AEO Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA), aiming to strengthen bilateral relations, streamline procedures, and finalize the domestic clearances for the signing of the PH-HK MRA Text on AEO.
On June 19, the second day of the Joint Validation, BOC and Hong Kong Customs presented to Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio the outcome of the 2nd Working Group Meeting for the PH-HK AEO MRA. The presentation outlined the key results of their collaborative efforts and set a timeline for the full implementation of the MRA.
Currently, three companies, including Toyota Motor Corp. Philippines, Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Inc., and Panasonic Manufacturing Philippines Corp., have achieved Level 2 accreditation under the AEO program.
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