The Bureau of Customs (BOC) met with the European Union-Asean Business Council and the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines to strengthen trade and investment opportunities between the Philippines and European businesses, the agency said yesterday.
In a statement, the BOC said that the meeting which was held last May 23, also had its focus on supporting the resumption of Free Trade Agreement negotiations between the Philippines and the European Union.
During the meeting, the BOC underscored the vital importance of private sector support in promoting its modernization program.
The BOC’s one-stop-shop solution was highlighted as a means to streamline the clearance process for receiving donations during calamities.
Furthermore, the bureau expressed its firm intention to transition to a paperless transaction system, emphasizing the significant benefits of electronic exchanges for internal operations within the BOC.
Customs commissioner Bienvenido Rubio emphasized the BOC’s commitment to fostering a conducive business environment, facilitating trade and promoting mutual prosperity between the Philippines and European counterparts.
“This collaboration represents a significant milestone in our efforts to strengthen economic ties with European businesses,” Rubio said.
“By enhancing our modernization program and streamlining our processes, we aim to create a seamless and efficient trade environment that benefits both parties,” he added.
The BOC said that with this collaboration, it aims to position the Philippines as a premier destination for European businesses, creating opportunities for both regions.
