The Council has been engaged in a consultation with the Directors-General for a number of years, and places tremendous value in the consultations. "The US-ASEAN Business Council is very excited to continue to have the opportunity to meet with the ASEAN Custom's Director General's. Efficient customs clearance is critical to the day-to-day operations of international businesses in the ASEAN region and key to maintaining the competitiveness of the ASEAN region. The Council and our members remain committed partners to supporting ASEAN's efforts to strengthen existing custom's practices and procedures", said Mr. Jackson, who is also the Government Programs Executive for IBM Australia.

In addition to the annual consultation, the Council delegation had bilateral meetings with senior customs officials from Indonesia, Singapore and Vietnam and the ASEAN Secretariat.

ASEAN is the third largest overseas market for U.S. exports, and two-way U.S.-ASEAN trade totaled US$148 billion in 2005. ASEAN customs administrations have a central role to play in ensuring that the market for goods and services and two-way trade continue to grow and expand.

Formed in 2005, the Customs Working Group already has over 20 members. The Group focuses on the elimination of trade barriers and the promotion of trade facilitation in the ASEAN region through concrete proposals and activities.

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The US-ASEAN Business Council and affiliates are dedicated to strengthening bilateral and US ASEAN relations and building strong economic and commercial ties. Members of the Council include Fortune 1000 companies in support of promoting trade, investment, and technology cooperation, advancing US ASEAN relations through strong participation in public-private partnerships, and committing to development and corporate social responsibility. The Council's members are represented in diverse industries, including aerospace, agribusiness, automobiles, computers and information technology, consumer goods, energy exploration and development, express delivery services, financial services, health care and pharmaceuticals, media & entertainment, mining, software, and telecommunications.

For information on the US-ASEAN Business Council or general information visit www.us-asean.org.