21st October 2024, Hong Kong, China

On October 21, 2024, the RPSG-AP meeting was held at the Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel, bringing together Customs and industry representatives from the WCO Asia/Pacific Region. The session, chaired by Mr. Kit Hickey of Fonterra Cooperative Group Ltd. and co-chaired by Ms. Wendy Stanton of IKEA Australia, featured discussions focused on enhancing trade facilitation and compliance through Customs-Industry cooperation.

Mr. Jun Tajima, head of the ROCB A/P, introduced the WCO and ROCB A/P outlines, underscoring the need for Customs administrations to adopt a forward-thinking approach, developing solutions collectively with the customs community, including businesses and other stakeholders.

A key highlight was the introduction of the Valid AP initiative by Mr. Kin Kei Li, the Head of the Asia/Pacific Vice Chair Office and Assistant Commissioner of Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department, designed to streamline document verification using blockchain technology. Participants from the private sector congratulated the initiative, pointing out the time consumed for the verification of certificate of origin at times. Participants also discussed supply chain resilience, with Ms. Kimberlee Clydesdale from the Australian Border Force stressing the importance of data sharing between Customs and industry. Other topics included AEO benefits, transshipment processes in Hong Kong, and New Zealand's trade good practices.

The meeting concluded with a focus on the role of Customs-Industry collaboration in fostering trust and efficiency in international trade, setting the stage for future cooperative efforts.

For more information, please contact rocb@rocbap.org