Brunei underscores unity, resilience at Asean Customs meeting
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy (Fiscal) Datin Seri Paduka Zety Sufina Sani has underscored the importance of Asean's unity and the role of Customs administrations in safeguarding trade flows and supporting economic resilience especially in light of the recent developments concerning tariff measures introduced by the United States.
In her speech delivered virtually at the opening ceremony of the 34th Meeting of the Asean Directors-General of Customs on Tuesday (June 3) she said: 'Let us continue to stand together to uphold the principles of openness, fairness and mutual respect in international trade.'
As Asean Customs progresses through the pivotal phase of modernisation and regional cooperation, she highlighted, 'we are reminded of our collective duty – to serve with integrity, to lead with foresight, and to collaborate with purpose.
"As we pursue constructive dialogues and embrace our shared responsibilities, I invite everyone to engage actively and participate in the sharing of knowledge and experience for our mutual benefits.'
In a welcoming speech, the incoming Chair, Acting Controller of the Royal Customs and Excise Department (RCED) Muhammad Azizil Hakim Brahim emphasised the importance of advancing Customs modernisation and collaboration to achieve the objectives of the Asean Community Vision 2025.
He also highlighted the significant progress made under the Strategic Plan on Customs Development (SPCD) 2021–2025, particularly in digital transformation and trade facilitation, while outlining forthcoming initiatives for 2026–2030.
The meeting started on Tuesday (June 3) and continues until Wednesday in Bandar Seri Begawan, with the aim of strengthening regional Customs cooperation and advancing Asean integration through key initiatives such as the Asean Single Window and the Asean Customs Transit System.
The meeting also focuses on enhancing trade facilitation through streamlined procedures, regulatory efficiency, and inclusive policies to support micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The 34th Meeting of the Asean Directors-General of Customs hosted by the RCED, Ministry of Finance and Economy was attended by some 90 delegates from 10 Customs administrations of Asean member states, Timor-Leste, the Asean Secretariat and Asean Dialogue partners. – Borneo Bulletin/ANN
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
31 minutes ago
- The Star
Anwar and Modi discuss IIT campus in M'sia, investment in future-focused sectors
RIO DE JANEIRO: Malaysia and India have proposed to set up an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) campus in Malaysia, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The institute is regarded as one of the top higher learning institutions in India. Anwar said Malaysia was committed to strengthening people-to-people ties through collaboration in culture, tourism and education. He said India is exploring investment opportunities in Malaysia's future-focused sectors – the digital economy, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and aerospace. ALSO READ: AI must serve development, not dominate, PM Anwar tells BRICS summit Anwar, who had a bilateral meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the ongoing 17th BRICS Summit, said: 'We explored the great potential to expand strategic cooperation between Malaysia and India across various areas, including trade, investment, digital technology and defence.' Both parties, he said, emphasised the importance of ensuring regional peace and stability. Both also voiced support for just and peaceful resolutions to international issues such as Palestine and Jammu‑Kashmir. Malaysia, Anwar said, welcomed efforts to reinforce the Asean-India relationship ahead of the Asean-India Summit this October. ALSO READ: Govt committed to strengthening aerospace ecosystem, says PM Anwar Anwar also had a bilateral meeting with Republic of South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa. They spoke about reassessing various forms of cooperation across different fields and devising steps to expand strategic investments in sectors such as agriculture, automotive, tourism and the halal industry. Anwar also expressed appreciation for South Africa's support for the Palestinian people's struggle, including its tireless efforts at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
AI must serve development, not dominate, PM Anwar tells BRICS summit
RIO DE JANEIRO: Malaysia is championing the establishment of an Asean AI Safety Network, a regional initiative to strengthen governance and capacity in this domain, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Prime Minister, who is also Asean chair, said Malaysia welcomed the BRICS' efforts in AI Governance, adding: "We support a vision of artificial intelligence that serves development, not domination – one that embeds ethics, reduces inequality, and respects human dignity." Anwar was speaking at the BRICS Leaders' Summit at the Museum of Modern Art (MAM) here on Sunday (July 6). Also in attendance were Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Aziz and Transport Minister Anthony Loke. Earlier, the Prime Minister was received by Brazilian President Lula Silva upon arrival. Anwar said the meeting was held as the international order was under severe strain. The institutions meant to uphold cooperation were, he said, "faltering under the weight of new realities." "Trade is increasingly shaped by politics. Technology is framed by security. And the rules that once governed global engagement are being selectively applied or ignored," he said. Malaysia's position is straightforward - multilateralism is vital for global stability, shared prosperity, and sovereign dignity, he said. The Prime Minister said that for multilateralism to endure, it must do more than express common values. "It must deliver tangible outcomes. It must respond to the realities of a world where markets are fragmenting faster than rules can adapt." He said Asean was not passive and that economic fragmentation was intensifying - tariffs, decoupling, and shifting alliances were reshaping trade flows once thought stable. Malaysia, Anwar said, was advancing a strategy that favoured diversification over dependency, resilience over fragility, and regional agency over external prescription. "We therefore welcome BRICS' commitment to an inclusive, rules-based trading system. Malaysia's 2025 Asean Chairmanship theme – "Inclusivity and Sustainability" – aligns closely with those priorities." Anwar said the party which shaped the digital future was the question now. Technology, he noted, is now splitting along geopolitical lines. "Export controls, national security restrictions and diverging standards are creating parallel systems." Anwar also spoke about the need to stop genocide in Gaza and atrocities in Iran.
Malay Mail
an hour ago
- Malay Mail
Diplomatic delegations arrive in KL for Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting under Malaysia's 2025 chairmanship
SEPANG, July 7 — Diplomatic delegations have begun arriving in Kuala Lumpur ahead of the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) and related meetings, which will be held from July 8 to 11. Among the early arrivals was Laos Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Phongsavanh Sisoulath, who landed at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) at 8.05pm on Sunday. Myanmar Ministry of Foreign Affairs representative Kyaw Nyun Oo and Permanent Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Thailand Eksiri Pintaruchi were also among those who arrived. Senior officials from several Asean countries, including the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei and Indonesia, also touched down on Sunday. The 58th AMM and related meetings, to be held under Malaysia's 2025 Asean Chairmanship themed 'Inclusivity and Sustainability,' will feature 24 ministerial-level meetings, including sessions with Asean Dialogue Partners and Sectoral Dialogue Partners. The event is expected to gather about 1,500 delegates, including foreign ministers from Asean member states, Timor-Leste, Asean Dialogue Partners, Asean Regional Forum (ARF) participating countries, Sectoral Dialogue Partners and senior officials from the Asean Secretariat. Malaysia is hosting the AMM as part of its fifth Asean Chairmanship, having previously held the role in 1977, 1997, 2005 and 2015. — Bernama
