2 June 2026, Phnom Penh

Senior customs officials from across Southeast Asia convened alongside international counterparts for the 15th ASEAN–World Customs Organization (WCO) Consultation. Held during the 35th Meeting of the ASEAN Directors-General of Customs chaired by Dr. Kun Nhem, Minister Attached to the Prime Minister, Director-General of the General Department of Customs and Excise of Cambodia, the session focused on modernisation, regional integration and capacity building.

The high-level dialogue, co-chaired by Thai Customs Department, on behalf of the ASEAN Members, and the WCO, serves as a critical platform for aligning regional trade facilitation with global customs standards. 

A central pillar of this year's consultation was a briefing by the Secretary-General of the WCO. As global supply chains become increasingly digitised, the discussion highlighted ASEAN’s success in its efforts on cross-border trade more secure by Regional Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) of national AEO programmes and more efficient with ASEAN Single Window. 

In response, the ASEAN Secretariat provided updates on the region's recent customs initiatives, emphasising milestones in cross-border data exchange and streamlined clearance processes aimed at boosting the ASEAN integration. 

Strengthening Regional Capabilities

Beyond policy alignment, the consultation addressed practical implementation. Mr. Jun Tajima, the Head of ROCB briefed the delegates on ongoing and future capacity building programmes specifically tailored for ASEAN Members, and highlighted the use of Accredited Experts. Mr. Tajima stressed the WCO’s New Capacity Building Paradigm which aims at outcome-based activities, designed to support Customs administrations effectively implement their policy priorities. 

The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment from both the ASEAN Chair and the WCO Secretary-General to deepen cooperation, ensuring the Region remains resilient against challenges.