At the request of the Philippines Bureau of Customs (BOC), the WCO conducted a diagnostic support mission on the implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) from 1 to 9 August 2019 in Manila, the Philippines.
The mission was conducted under the framework of the WCO Mercator Program and included discussions with all the relevant departments within BOC. The team also took the opportunity to visit the International Container Port, in Manila and meet with important stakeholders from the business community.
Through effective engagement with BOC officials, the WCO team were able to make a comprehensive assessment of the situation with regard to TFA implementation, highlighting some areas where further capacity building and technical assistance support is required.
In collaboration with BOC, the WCO also developed a multi-year Mercator Implementation Plan that will form the basis of future WCO input and will facilitate enhanced engagement with other government agencies and private sector stakeholders involved in trade facilitation reforms.