On 18 May, within the framework of a Coordinated Border Management event, organized jointly by the Federal Revenue of Brazil and PROCOMEX in the city of Sao Paulo, Brazil, a multilateral Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) for the implementation of the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Programmes in the Americas was signed by eleven customs administrations, namely Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Paraguay, Peru, Dominican Republic and Uruguay.

On this occasion, the Customs administration of Guatemala, as Regional Vice-Chair for the WCO Americas/Caribbean region, noted that this achievement marks not only a new milestone for Customs-to-Customs relationship, as recommended under Pillar I of the WCO SAFE Framework of Standards, but also further consolidates trust between Customs and Private Sector. The Vice-Chair also underscored the role of the Regional Private Sector Group for the Americas and the Caribbean in this process, as well as the support of the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation during joint AEO validation visits. He also thanked the signatory Customs administrations as well as the WCO Secretariat for providing technical support as well as assistance with the implementation of instruments to improve Customs performance.