ASEAN trade ministers
SINGAPORE – The Philippines is likely to join this year the so-called “ASEAN Single Window” as it participates in the 16th ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Council Meeting on Thursday, April 26.
The ASEAN Single Window (ASW) is an online platform that expedites cargo clearance process, reduce cost and time of doing business, and enhance trade efficiency and competitiveness.
In his opening remarks, Singapore’s Minister of Trade and Industry and the AEC Chairman Lim Hng Kiang said it is expected that once fully established, ASW “would reduce transaction costs for businesses and better facilitate the clearance of goods within ASEAN.”
ASW is now operational among five member states – Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Other five members are expected to follow through. The Philippines, at present, is still on a pilot testing of its National Single Window (NSW) program.
Mr. Lim also stressed on other important agenda on the two-day Summit in terms of trade and business. Aside from ASW, he also mentioned ASEAN’s Declaration on Cruise Tourism on which ASEAN “committed to transforming Southeast Asia into a vibrant cruising destination via infrastructure development and improved on-shore activities” emphasizing on the creation of a regional cruise hub.
Mr. Lim is positive that with the member states’ commitment and collective efforts, “ASEAN remains on the trajectory to closer economic integration and sustained, long-term growth.”
Representing the Philippines in the 16th ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Council Meeting is Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez. – Maila Guevarra / Marje Pelayo | UNTV News & Rescue
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