The Philippines and China have agreed to strengthen their bilateral relations, particularly in terms of improving its customs policies.
This, as Counsellor Yang Guoliang, the Economic and Commercial Counsellor of the Embassy of China in the Philippines, paid a courtesy call on Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Yogi Filemon Ruiz to discuss the enhancement of their respective countries' customs practices.
"Commissioner Ruiz shared his appreciation for the counselor’s support as the plans would help the speedy facilitation of the sevent-point priority agenda of the BOC during his incumbency," the BOC said in a statement Friday, Oct. 7
Ruiz, who assumed post as Customs chief on July 25, had said he would focus on seven main thrusts to improve the BOC's operations. These include zero tolerance for drug smugglers, curbing of gun smuggling, elimination of agricultural smuggling, increase in revenue generation, full digitalization of Customs processes, increase of employee morale, and eradication of corruption.
During their meeting, Ruiz and Yang also vowed to work together to ensure a "solid customs-business partnership" through the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Program.
According to BOC, the AEO Program is one of the pillars of the World Customs Organization (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards. It is a party involved in the international movement of goods, in whatever function, that has been approved by, or on behalf of, a national Customs administration as complying with WCO or equivalent supply chain security standards.
According to BOC, the bureau's effort to collaborate with its Chinese counterpart was made in adherence to the guidance of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., to strengthen ties with its international partners in the pursuit of its vision of "becoming a customs administration that is among the world’s best."