At a meeting held this Wednesday (04.09.2024), representatives of the Andean Community (CAN) and the International Association of Professional Customs Agents (ASAPRA), together with members of BASC Ecuador and BASC Pichincha Chapter, discussed key issues to strengthen security and efficiency in foreign trade. The meeting focused on promoting the digitalization and training of customs personnel of member countries (Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru).
ASAPRA reported in a statement that the main objective of the meeting was to analyze strategies to modernize customs operations and improve security in international transactions. Dr. Alberto Lora, Director General of Trade of the CAN, and Dr. Marcos Flores, specialist in Foreign Trade and Customs, led the meeting.
Customs modernization
“The Andean Community has identified the modernization of its customs as a strategic priority to face the growth of global trade” and, as part of the actions to implement the Andean Digital Agenda, “important reforms were discussed that will come into force in November 2024 that will allow the digitalization of customs procedures, improving the efficiency and transparency of operations,” ASAPRA stated.
In this regard, he stressed that digitalisation will not only reduce processing times, but will also increase information security and facilitate risk control.
Training and safety
During the meeting, it was stressed that training of customs personnel will be key to facing new technological and operational challenges. In addition, the need to strengthen security at all stages of foreign trade was expressed, covering everything from data protection to the implementation of stricter controls against potential threats.
Next, Nelson Brens, president of ASAPRA, led the discussions on the coordination of joint actions between customs associations and the CAN. Roberto Fuentes, representative of Bolivia and secretary general of ASAPRA, contributed his experience in the integration of customs processes in the Andean region; while Katya López, vice president of the Andean Area of ASAPRA and president of the Ecuadorian Federation of Customs Agents (FEDA), highlighted the importance of security training and the use of emerging technologies.
Carlos Molfino, president of the Association of Customs Agents of Peru (AAAP) and advisor to ASAPRA, contributed with his knowledge about customs and the Peruvian context in international trade. For his part, Guillermo González, president of the Colombian Federation of Logistics Agents in International Trade (FITAC), together with Miguel Espinosa, executive president of FITAC, shared their experience in trade facilitation and the digitalization of processes.
Nelson Cano, Vice President of FEDA, also highlighted the importance of coordinating efforts to improve customs processes. In addition, Yolanda Villa and Narcisa Montenegro, both FEDA directors, actively participated in discussions on the implementation of technologies in customs.
Later, Diego Castillo, executive director of BASC Pichincha Chapter, and César Venegas, executive director of BASC Peru, shared their views on the importance of security in commercial operations and international cooperation in this area.
Basis for a future agreement
This first meeting proved very enlightening in laying the foundations for a future agreement focused on digitalization, data management and trade security. Katya López will be in charge of coordinating the next meetings to ensure the effective implementation of the agreed measures. According to ASAPRA: “the meeting marks a fundamental step towards the modernization of customs and greater cooperation between the public and private sectors in the Andean region.”
Aduana News is the first Argentine customs newspaper to launch its digital version. With 20 years of experience, its publications and initiatives aim to provide the most relevant knowledge on customs issues in order to contribute to safe trade in the region.
