SCCP APEC 2017 creates regional connectivity and cooperation in Customs

	Objectives and tasks of Virtual Working Group (VWG) at SCCP APEC meeting in Vietnam
	Improvements in Customs Control and promotion of international interoperability through SCCP APEC
	Priorities of SCCP APEC 2017 Work Program

The Deputy Director General of Vietnam Customs, Mr. Vu Ngoc Anh.

Following the first SCCP held in Nha Trang in February 2017, the second SCCP and sideline meetings of SOM 3 will take place in HCM City from 16th August to 25th August. On the eve of SCCP 2, the Deputy Director-General of Vietnam Customs, Mr. Vu Ngoc Anh said that SCCP 2 would create more regional connectivity and cooperation in Customs.

In your opinion, what will the results achieve in the first SCCP held in Nha Trang impact the second SCCP in August in Ho Chi Minh City?

Closing the first SCCP meeting in Nha Trang, APEC member economies agreed on 16 issues on the agenda of the SCCP. In these 16 issues, the key issues are the achievement of the Bogor on Trade Facilitation and the building of pillars in the agenda of APEC 2020; continuing to promote the implementation of FTA commitments in the Asia-Pacific region; promoting APEC connectivity and supply chain connectivity; facilitating micro, small and medium enterprises; promoting supporting industries as well as promoting global and regional value chains and promoting the liberalization of trade services.

Based on the theme and priority orientation of APEC and the Committee on Trade and Investment (CTI)’s meeting in 2017, the SCCP meeting agreed on the agenda of the first meeting on 7 main themes: Implementing the WTO Agreement on Trade Facilitation; deploying the connection of the Single Window; developing business priorities; applying information technology and risk management in Customs administration; managing intellectual property rights across borders; promoting e-commerce across borders and enhancing supply chain linkage frameworks.

What will SCCP 2 on the sidelines of SOM 3 held in Ho Chi Minh City from 15^th August to 28^th August 2017 focus on, Sir?

With the theme of "Creating New Dynamism, Fostering A Shared Future", APEC 2017 focuses on key priorities: Promoting sustainable growth, innovation and sustainability; deepening economic integration and regional integration; facilitating micro, small and medium enterprises through support to enhance competitiveness, innovation and participation in global value chains; and strengthening food security and sustainable agriculture, adapting to climate change.

In the national priority series, the APEC Committee on Trade and Investment (CTI) also identified key issues at the CTI meeting to address one of the national priorities. In particular, focusing on the achievement of the Bogor on Trade Facilitation and the building of pillars in the APEC 2020 agenda; continuing to promote the implementation of FTA commitments in the Asia-Pacific region; promoting APEC connectivity and supply chain connectivity; facilitating micro, small and medium enterprises; promoting supporting industries as well as promoting global and regional value chains; and promoting liberalization of trade services.

In order to contribute to the achievement of the above objectives of the CTI, the second SCCP meeting will discuss 8 framework contents: implementing the WTO Agreement on Trade Facilitation; deploying the Single Window; developing AEO program; applying information technology and risk management in Customs administration; managing intellectual property across borders; promoting cross-border e-commerce; and strengthening the supply chain linkage framework; and promoting Customs cooperation with Customs in APEC.

Vietnam Customs has selected 2 priority issues for APEC 2017, including: ensuring trade security in supply chain linkages, emphasizing the implementation of measures to prevent smuggling, commercial frauds and counterfeit goods; facilitating trade through improved deployment and accomplishing the Single Window connection.

As the host of the Customs Subcommittee meeting of SCCP in APEC 2017, what are expectations of Vietnam Customs in promoting Customs cooperation among APEC member economies?

In order to affirm and maintain the leading role of the APEC in the growth process, Vietnam has chosen the theme of " Creating New Dynamism, Fostering A Shared Future" for APEC 2017 with the expectation of sending the message of building and promoting the "Asia-Pacific Partnership for Sustainable Development and Coverage in the 21st Century," and building "APEC for the people, for the business." In this context, Customs is an important link in regional economic integration with the emphasis on trade facilitation, in line with supply chain security and social safeguards.

By hosting the SCCP APEC 2017 activities, Vietnam Customs hopes to contribute to creating regional connectivity and cooperation in the field of Customs in the context of the world facing many security issues, especially anti-terrorism, cargo control in the context of smuggling and illicit drugs; trade security challenges in the digital age; and the pressure on sustainable economic growth adapt to climate change.

With these priorities, Vietnam Customs expects the member economies to exchange and provide recommendations and initiatives in linking the Single Window mechanism and preventing smuggling, commercial frauds as well as performing the important role of Customs authorities in trade facilitation and trade security in regional supply chain connectivity. These are also important goals that the SCCP's Collective Action Plan (CAP) aims through 9 specific contents that have been submitted by the SCCP members to the APEC Secretariat for approval in 2016.

In addition to fulfilling the content agreements in the SCCP and related meetings, Vietnam Customs is also accelerating the preparation of logistical arrangements in the overall guidance of the National Secretariat on APEC 2017 to contribute to the promotion of Vietnamese culture and people to regional and international friends.

Trade facilitation and supply chain framework in SCCP APEC Vietnam 2017 VCN- As a result, the focus shifts from ratification to implementation. WCO explained how it can support TFA ...

Thank you!