-
The Bureau of Customs, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. are creating a technical working group to institutionalize public-private sector dialogues
-
The TWG will also undertake detailed work on advancing policy and operational reforms
-
PCCI and PHILEXPORT expressed full support to BOC’s digitalization agenda, highlighting its critical role in boosting efficiency, transparency, and the overall ease of doing business
-
During a recent meeting, the parties also addressed key policy and operational concerns, including the proposed Customs Amnesty Program, enhanced monitoring of import duties, and the urgent need to expedite the disposal of overstaying containers to alleviate port congestion and prevent supply chain disruptions
The Bureau of Customs (BOC), Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), and Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT) are creating a technical working group (TWG) to institutionalize public-private sector dialogues and undertake detailed work on advancing policy and operational reforms.
The TWG will also ensure continuous coordination between the three parties and timely progress on priorities, PCCI said in a statement.
The TWG was the outcome of a recent meeting between the three parties led by Customs commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno, PCCI president Enunina Mangio, and PHILEXPORT president Sergio Ortiz-Luis, Jr.
PCCI said the strengthened partnership aims to accelerate business efficiency and enhance the Philippines’ economic competitiveness.
During the meeting, Nepmuceno outlined BOC’s ongoing modernization and digitalization initiatives. He emphasized that these reforms are strategically designed to improve service delivery, minimize processing delays, and position export facilitation as a central pillar of national economic growth.
In turn, PCCI and PHILEXPORT expressed full support to BOC’s digitalization agenda, highlighting its critical role in boosting efficiency, transparency, and the overall ease of doing business.
“The chamber fully supports Commissioner Nepomuceno’s leadership and his proactive efforts to modernize the system,” Mangio said.
“Through this collaboration, we can effectively streamline processes, reduce trade barriers, and foster a more competitive environment for businesses,” she added.
READ: PCCI seeks stronger govt, private sector integration
The meeting also addressed key policy and operational concerns, including the proposed Customs Amnesty Program, enhanced monitoring of import duties, and the urgent need to expedite the disposal of overstaying containers to alleviate port congestion and prevent supply chain disruptions. PCCI said all parties recognized that resolving these issues is vital for ensuring smoother trade flows.
READ: BOC starts study measuring shipment release time
“We appreciate the Commissioner’s strong focus on trade facilitation, particularly for exports and MSMEs (micro, small, and medium enterprises),” Ortiz-Luis said.
“Leveraging digitalization to streamline Customs processes is a decisive step toward eliminating bottlenecks, both domestically and internationally, which will ultimately enhance our export performance,” he added.
PCCI also reaffirmed its alignment with BOC’s trade facilitation thrust, underscoring that such reforms are essential for stimulating economic activity and strengthening the Philippines’ position in the global market.
