The Philippine Bureau of Customs and its Mexican counterpart recently forged an agreement facilitating enhanced border control and protection between the two countries.
Under the Agreement on Mutual Administrative Assistance on Customs Matters, signed between Customs commissioner Rozzano Rufino Biazon and Mexican Customs general administrator Gerardo Perdomo, the application of customs laws between the Philippines and Mexico will be strengthened and the conduct of investigation and information sharing, especially in addressing the global problem on smuggling, clearly laid out.
“While this event will definitely be a big boost to the country’s trade with Mexico, this also confirms our long and strong ties with the Mexicans,” Biazon said, noting that trade between the two countries traces back to the days of the Galleon trade.
“The Agreement practically tightened the customs operational procedures between the Philippines and Mexico. This would eventually translate to more efficient revenue collection for all trade between the two countries,” Biazon said.
BOC is aggressively pursuing reforms to make it globally competitive. In addition to its computerization program, the BOC will soon fully implement the National Single Window to enhance its trade facilitation capability. The NSW is a prelude to the implementation of the Asean Single Window where Customs agencies in ASEAN countries share electronic information for clearance of goods within the economic bloc.
“Mexico Flag” by Salvatore Vuono
Free image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net
