Duterte forms body to streamline, improve customs process

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte has created the Philippine Trade Facilitation Committee meant to streamline and improve customs processes.

The creation of the body is in compliance with the World Trade Organization – Trade Facilitation Agreement (WTO-FTA) as stated in Duterte’s Executive Order No. 136 signed May 18 but only made public Thursday.

Duterte said the committee, composed of representatives from various line departments whose ranks should be not below that of an Assistant Director, will “streamline and improve customs procedures and facilitate the implementation of rational, efficient and simple customs rules.”

This way, the cost of trade transactions is reduced and micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises can participate more actively in international trade.

Duterte designated the Department of Finance as chairperson of the committee, with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) as co-chairperson and Bureau of Customs as vice-chairperson.

Members of the committee are the following agencies: Department of Agriculture, Department of Foreign Affairs, National Economic and Development Authority, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Transportation, Tariff Commission, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, DTI-Bureau of International Trade Relations, DTI-Bureau of Import Services, Food and Drug Administration and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority.

The committee is tasked to study, propose and coordinate the position, activities or actions of the Philippine government on matters pertaining to the implementation of the WTO-TFA and other trade facilitation commitments.

Duterte also ordered the body to propose trade regulations, measures and practices to expedite movement, release and clearance of goods.

Funding requirements for the EO’s implementation will be sourced from the current appropriations of the member-agencies.

EDV