US-ASEAN Business Council Leads Delegation to the 34th Meeting of the ASEAN Directors-General of Customs 

(Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam) On June 3 to 4, the US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC) brought a delegation of U.S. businesses to the 34th Meeting of the ASEAN Directors-General (DGs) of Customs in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam. The delegation was co-led by Ms. Florina Vistal, Chief Representative for the Philippines, and Mr. Chetan Khorana, Managing Director for Global Trade Services at FedEx and Chair of USABC’s Customs, Trade Facilitation, and Supply Chain Committee. 

During the plenary session between USABC and all ASEAN Customs DGs, the delegation presented its recommendation paper entitled “Deepening Customs Cooperation in Advancing Trade Facilitation and Unlocking Investment Opportunities in ASEAN,” which highlighted proposed recommendations to ASEAN in simplifying and modernizing customs procedures, enhancing trade facilitation through transformative technologies, and promoting collaboration on emerging issues such as supply chain resilience, U.S. tariffs, and trade policies.

“USABC values its enduring partnership with ASEAN Customs and remains committed to supporting efforts that enhance trade facilitation and regional integration,” said Ms. Florina Vistal. “ASEAN remains a key partner for the United States and we look forward to continued collaboration in advancing shared goals for efficient, harmonized, and rules-based trade across ASEAN,” she added. 

The delegation also had the opportunity to engage in bilateral meetings with senior officials from Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, the World Customs Organization, and the ASEAN Secretariat. During these engagements, the delegation reaffirmed its role as a committed partner in enhancing the region’s supply chain robustness and investment climate.

“As we continue to foster collaboration between the public and private sectors, we remain focused on enhancing the efficiency and resilience of regional supply chains,” said Mr. Chetan Khorana. “Our ongoing dialogue with ASEAN Customs reflects our shared commitment to streamlining trade processes, improving customs coordination, and supporting the region’s broader economic goals in responding to the current landscape of global dynamics,” he added.