ASEAN Customs discusses AEO programmes to foster ASEAN AEO MRA

	ASEAN Customs authorities share experience on management
	ASEAN Customs administrations achieve integration goals
	ASEAN Customs strengthen capacity for Customs Modernization

The workshop on AEO programme for the WCO ASEAN Sub-region took place at the WCO's RTC AP in Jakarta

The workshop aims to share practical experience on the implementation of AEO programmes, discussing problems, obstacles, experiences and solutions towards enhancing the harmonisation of their AEO requirements, as well as benefits of the AEO to foster the implementation and improve advantages of the ASEAN AEO Mutual Recognition Arrangement (AAMRA).

Facilitating by the WCO technical official and accredited and pre-accredited experts on AEO, the Representatives of 10 Customs administrations of AMS, WCO Asia/Pacific Regional Office for Capacity Building (ROCB A/P) and China Customs discussed various contents related to the AEO programme such as challenges and opportunities in AEO implementation, difficulties and solutions in AEO validation and monitoring, cooperation with other Border Agencies to enhance the efficiency of AEO programmes, opportunities and roadmap to implement AAMRA, and AEO monitoring measures. The workshop attracted the active participation of WCO member Customs Administrations through many activities, such as delivering presentations, group discussions, case studies, and simulation exercises. The participants had a chance to visit the AEO Center, Customs Museum and the WCO regional K9 Training Center of Indonesian Customs.

Although AMS have signed AAMRA, there are still gaps in the implementation of AEO programmes, especially in AEO benefits, integration of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), entities' eligibility for AEOs, and the AEO validation process, among others.

The Representative of Vietnam Customs participated in the workshop as a facilitator and an Accredited Expert on AEO programme

However, motivated by the goal of implementing AAMRA, which the ASEAN Directors General of Customs approved, the workshop has allowed AEO officials to discuss actions for AAMRA taking place to strengthen end-to-end supply chain management, creating favourable conditions for AEOs in the regional supply chain. All members hope that, after participating in AAMRA, their AEO programmes will be more attractive because of the improved competitiveness given to AEOs in the international market share. AAMRA benefits allow them to approach closer and faster with many new and potential customers in partner countries in the region and worldwide.

The Representative of Vietnam Customs participated in the workshop as a WCO Member in the region and as a WCO Accredited Expert, facilitating discussion sessions on AEO implementation, valuation and risk management. The workshop highly appreciated the attentive, enthusiastic and professional reception of the RTC AP Indonesia. Although the workshop program was very intensive, the satisfaction of all participants was expressed, and they desired to continue to meet to share best practices and improve their AEO programme qualifications.