Talks on cooperation between customs offices and businesses in Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) economies have been held in Singapore.
The talks in early August attracted 280 representatives from international organisations and regional customs administrations, multi-national corporations and small and medium enterprises to discuss ways of enhancing understanding and cooperation between customs administrations and businesses.
The key topics included the use of information technology to facilitate trade in the region, the latest developments in supply chain security, businesses' experience in participating in economic operator’s programmes and the development of an open and transparent relationship between customs administrations and businesses in the region.
On delivering his speech at the talks, Singaporean Minister Lim Hwee Hua said that customs administrations and business communities must work closely together to ensure legitimate trade is carried out seamlessly and not be subject to corruption or fraud.
According to her, consultation and talks between customs and businesses should be encouraged at all levels through various channels and customs should abide by the principles of transparency, accountability and consistency when dealing with businesses.
Singapore is host to many APEC meetings, held from February to November 2009. They will culminate in the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, where leaders of APEC's 21 member economies will meet in Singapore on Nov. 14-15 this year./.
The talks in early August attracted 280 representatives from international organisations and regional customs administrations, multi-national corporations and small and medium enterprises to discuss ways of enhancing understanding and cooperation between customs administrations and businesses.
The key topics included the use of information technology to facilitate trade in the region, the latest developments in supply chain security, businesses' experience in participating in economic operator’s programmes and the development of an open and transparent relationship between customs administrations and businesses in the region.
On delivering his speech at the talks, Singaporean Minister Lim Hwee Hua said that customs administrations and business communities must work closely together to ensure legitimate trade is carried out seamlessly and not be subject to corruption or fraud.
According to her, consultation and talks between customs and businesses should be encouraged at all levels through various channels and customs should abide by the principles of transparency, accountability and consistency when dealing with businesses.
Singapore is host to many APEC meetings, held from February to November 2009. They will culminate in the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, where leaders of APEC's 21 member economies will meet in Singapore on Nov. 14-15 this year./.
