Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno has secured a strong vote of confidence from the Export Development Council (EDC) as government and industry leaders rallied behind the Bureau of Customs’ (BOC) ongoing digital transformation and trade facilitation reforms.
During the EDC Executive Committee Meeting held recently, the BOC presented critical updates on the Electronic Tracking of Containerized Cargo (E-TRACC) System, a cornerstone of the Bureau’s strategy to modernize operations and streamline the movement of goods.
The meeting, chaired by Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Ceferino S. Rodolfo, served as a high-level forum to align policies with the country’s export goals. Industry representatives praised the BOC’s proactive approach to:
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Improving Trade Facilitation: Reducing bottlenecks for local exporters.
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Digital Integration: Enhancing the E-TRACC system to provide real-time visibility of cargo.
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Stakeholder Responsiveness: Balancing rigorous regulatory control with the “ease of doing business” framework.
“The support of the Export Development Council affirms that we are moving in the right direction,” said Commissioner Nepomuceno. “Our goal is clear: to protect our borders while making it easier for legitimate businesses to thrive. We will continue to listen, adjust, and improve our systems to better serve our exporters and the Filipino people.”
The BOC’s initiatives directly support President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s mandate to boost economic competitiveness by reducing the cost of doing business. Key updates highlighted during the session included policy adjustments specifically designed to benefit exporters within economic zones, ensuring more secure and efficient cargo movement through digitalization.
The meeting underscored a “whole-of-government” strategy, featuring senior officials from the:
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Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
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Department of Finance (DOF)
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Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA)
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Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)
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Key Private Sector Partners
By fostering an environment of transparency and active dialogue, the BOC reaffirms its commitment to building a modern customs administration that serves as a catalyst for national economic growth.
