The World Customs Organization (WCO) organized a Sub-regional Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Workshop for the Members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) from 5 to 8 June 2023. The workshop, held in Jakarta, Indonesia, aimed to enhance the knowledge and skills of Customs officials in implementing AEO programmes and fostering Customs-Business partnerships. Financial support for the workshop was provided by the Customs Cooperation Fund - China (CCF-China). Participants from all ASEAN Member States, including Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, as well as the AEO experts from the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) participated in the workshop.
The workshop agenda included sessions that covered essential aspects of AEO programmes, such as an overview of the WCO SAFE Framework of Standards, the WCO's AEO concept and its background, overview, and linkages with the World Trade Organization's Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA).
Sessions throughout the workshop focused on case studies, lessons learned, and best practices related to AEO programme implementation and the associated benefits. Participants shared their experiences and insights during these sessions, covering topics such as AEO validation and authorization, mutual recognition of AEO programmes, coordinated border management, AEO compliance and risk management, post-certification monitoring, and stakeholder engagement strategies.
The workshop fostered networking and knowledge sharing among Customs officials from different ASEAN countries, promoting regional cooperation and harmonization of Customs procedures. Participants also engaged in meaningful discussions highlighting the challenges associated with involving Small and Medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the AEO programme, recognizing the significant role SMEs play in regional trade and the need to increase level of their participation in the programme.
The ASEAN Member States have a shared goal of concluding multilateral Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs), and the WCO fully supports this objective. Thus, the workshop provided a platform to discuss problems and solutions towards the establishment of MRAs among ASEAN Customs Administrations.
The Workshop served as another step towards advancing trade facilitation and strengthening Customs administrations in the ASEAN region. The WCO remains committed to supporting ASEAN Members in their common efforts to implement AEO programmes, conclude multilateral MRAs, and enhance trade facilitation for the benefit of regional economic growth and development.