At the consultation, the delegation applauded efforts by ASEAN customs administrations to improve and simplify customs procedures, such as through the creation of an ASEAN Single Window by 2012 for the expeditious clearance of imports. However, the delegation urged ASEAN to continue to focus on trade facilitation initiatives. “With the increasing competition from China and India, ASEAN customs administrations need to adopt modern and transparent procedures that will make the region more attractive to foreign investors,” said Mr. Jackson, an Executive Program Manager for IBM’s Import Compliance Office (Asia Pacific).

In addition to the annual consultation, the Council delegation had bilateral meetings with the Directors-General from Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines. The delegation also met with the senior customs official from Singapore and the ASEAN Secretariat. At the bilateral meetings, the Council had productive discussions on a range of trade facilitation and supply chain security issues and welcomed the open dialogue with individual DGs on a range of company specific issues. “These bilateral discussions will definitely serve to strengthen cooperation and collaboration between US business and individual ASEAN customs administrations,” Mr Jackson added.

ASEAN is the third largest overseas market for U.S. exports, and two-way U.S.-ASEAN trade totaled US$160 billion in 2006. 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 has over 25 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.