In a bid to promote integrity and transparency in customs operations, the Philippines’ Bureau of Customs (BOC) has called on Southeast Asian customs officials to explore the World Customs Organization (WCO) Mercator program, according to a statement released by the agency yesterday.
During the 32nd Meeting of the Asean Directors-General of Customs in Pattaya, Thailand, Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio highlighted the benefits of the WCO Mercator program, emphasizing its role in promoting integrity.
Drawing from the experiences of Manila, Rubio underscored the significance of diagnostic tools that can identify potential integrity issues and provide appropriate solutions.
Rubio noted the importance of transparency and integrity in customs operations throughout the Asean region.
He urged his counterparts to take advantage of the WCO Mercator program to enhance customs practices and ensure adherence to global standards.
Furthermore, Rubio discussed the accessibility of the Time Release Study (TRS) through the WCO CLiKC! e-learning platform, which focuses on customs procedures and trade facilitation.
Recognizing the TRS’s vital role in promoting efficiency, Rubio called for increased collaboration with the private sector and other stakeholders to make use of this resource.
Earlier, Rubio affirmed the BOC’s continued collaboration with the WCO in its bid to achieve a customs administration that is at par with global standards.
The commitment came after WCO representatives paid a courtesy call on Rubio where they discussed the program and various trade facilitation measures under the Mercator program.
