The following is a 7 May 2012 report by the World Customs Organization.
At the invitation of H.E. Arif Havas Oegroseno, Ambassador of Indonesia, the Secretary General of the WCO, Kunio Mikuriya, attended a meeting on 7 May 2012 with Ambassadors representing Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Brunei, Cambodia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam participated in the meeting which was held at the Indonesian Ambassador’s residence in Brussels.
Secretary General Mikuriya spoke about the expanding role of Customs, from revenue collection to economic competitiveness and the protection of society from health and security risks at borders, explaining that as a consequence the WCO has enhanced its role in setting standards, promoting cooperation and delivering capacity building.
Lively discussions took place during the meeting, with the Ambassadors expressing great interest in, among other things, the Customs response to the current trade and economic challenges, connectivity at borders, and regional integration. The Secretary General appreciated their support for the WCO.