Philippines wants ‘closer’ ASEAN customs cooperation with Russia

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine government has called for closer cooperation between the Russian Federation and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in the field of customs administration.

In a recent meeting with Russian Ambassador to the Philippines Igor Khovaev, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said the head of Russia’s Federal Customs Service should tour ASEAN countries “as a way to begin the process of establishing stronger customs ties with economies in the Asia-Pacific region.”

“He (the head of the Russian Federal Customs Service) can make a tour of ASEAN, and maybe if there’s an ASEAN meeting of customs officials, we can invite him as a special guest,” Dominguez said during the meeting. 

The Philippines, along with Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Lao PDR and Vietnam comprise the ASEAN. 

Russia and the Philippines have an existing Customs Mutual Administrative Assistance Agreement signed in 2013, which aims to promote cooperation in fighting transnational crimes and commercial fraud, as well as prevent customs offenses.

In May last year, the Philippines and Russia signed several agreements following the visit of President Rodrigo Duterte to Moscow, including deals on defense, tourism and agriculture, among others.