BOC to lead ASEAN single-window steering committee

Manila, Philippines -  The Bureau of Customs has been chosen to head the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) single-window steering committee.

In a statement, the BOC said Customs Deputy Commissioner Ma. Caridad Manarang has been selected as the new ASW Steering Committee chairperson.

The ASW is a component of the progressive schemes on customs development shared by the 10-member ASEAN bloc.

“Among its pivotal role is the formulation and implementation of rules and procedures for trade facilitation,” the BOC said.

Prior to the selection of the Philippines, three countries were considered to head the ASW Steering Committee – Brunei, Malaysia and the Philippines.

Brunei begged off while Malaysia said it would favor the majority choice.

The steering committee meeting and the election of its chair were held in Singapore last month.

According to the BOC, activities and work program of the ASW steering committee are tackled as proposed by the ASEAN Secretariat and thresh out the terms of reference on regulatory matters, standardization of data and documentation, business process and work flow and its application.

“Other areas of concern are the capacity building program and pilot projects to be conducted where member countries may wish to discuss implementation of pilot projects of ASW with the support of ASEAN dialogue partners,” it said.

The groundwork for the participation of the Philippines to the ASW was laid during the time of former Customs Commissioner Angelito Alvarez, the predecessor of Commissioner Ruffy Biazon.