The Philippines has reaffirmed its dedication to digital and sustainable trade facilitation by attaining the second spot among Southeast Asian nations in the 2023 United Nations (UN) Global Survey. Climbing up from the third spot in the previous 2021 survey, this achievement underscores the country’s continuous progress in modernizing trade processes and achieving world-class customs administration.

The survey, jointly conducted by various UN bodies, provides an in-depth analysis of trade facilitation progress in the country and highlights its remarkable achievements in fostering efficiency and promoting international collaboration.

In the latest survey, the Philippines achieved an impressive total Trade Facilitation score of 87.10%. Moreover, when compared to the 2021 survey, where the country scored 86.02%, the Philippines has shown steady improvement, reflecting its dedication to continuous progress since 2015. With the scores that the country gained for 2023, the Philippines, together with Malaysia and Indonesia, placed second in the Southeast Asian region, following Singapore with a score of 96.77%.

One of the key factors contributing to the Philippines’ success on the global stage is the Bureau of Customs’ (BOC) active participation in regional and sub-regional initiatives. By joining the Framework Agreement on Facilitation of Cross-border Paperless Trade in Asia and the Pacific (CPTA) and expanding the ASEAN Single Window Agreement through the electronic exchange of the electronic Phytosanitary Certificate (e-Phyto), the country has paved the way for seamless and paperless cross-border trade. These initiatives, which provide an inclusive and capacity-building inter-governmental platform, have laid the foundation for the Philippines to transition towards less paper and eventually paperless trade.

The 2023 UN Global Survey also highlighted the Philippines’ dedication in implementing the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement through the Philippine Trade Facilitation Committee (PTFC). The country, through the BOC, has been proactive in adopting emerging regional and global measures, such as the recent CPTA, that promote paperless trade or e-trade.

Furthermore, the survey recommends cutting-edge paperless and cross-border trade facilitation measures, as well as initiatives aimed at supporting more inclusive and sustainable trade. The BOC has been pro-active in developing innovations and digital transformations to boost trade and promote ease of doing business for the stakeholders.
“We take immense pride in the Philippines’ remarkable ascent to the second spot in the 2023 UN Global Survey on Digital and Sustainable Trade Facilitation.

This accomplishment reflects our nation’s dedication to embracing technological advancements and creating a more sustainable and inclusive trade environment,” said Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio.#