In a significant move to bolster cross-border trade, customs officials from Malaysia and Indonesia recently convened in Medan, North Sumatra. The meeting aimed to review past initiatives, address existing challenges, and lay the groundwork for future collaborations.
Key Points:
- The 19th bilateral meeting between Malaysia and Indonesia focused on enhancing customs procedures to facilitate smoother trade.
- Topics discussed included good governance practices, capacity building, enforcement, and narcotics-related activities oversight.
- Special attention was given to the Coordinated Customs Patrol Indonesia-Malaysia (Patkor Kastima) and the Joint Task Force on Narcotics.
The Malaysian delegation was spearheaded by Datuk Zazuli Johan, the director-general of the Royal Malaysian Customs Department. On the Indonesian side, the team was led by Askolani, the director-general of the Directorate-General of Customs and Excise (DGCE).
During the meeting, both agencies delved into a wide range of issues, including customs procedures, supervision, and excise matters. The focus was on strengthening rules, combating violations, and ensuring smoother trade processes between the two nations.
“Customs procedures are a critical component of cross-border trade. Streamlining these processes can significantly impact the ease of doing business,” said Datuk Zazuli Johan.
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One of the highlights of the meeting was the discussion around the Coordinated Customs Patrol Indonesia-Malaysia, also known as Patkor Kastima, and the Joint Task Force on Narcotics. Both initiatives received special attention, indicating the importance both nations place on security and governance in addition to trade.
Furthermore, the DGCE shared data and insights about its customs and excise laboratory. This comes as the Malaysian Customs Department is considering establishing a similar facility. A study visit to the Medan Class II Customs and Excise Laboratory was also conducted as part of the bilateral meeting series.
The meeting serves as a testament to the growing economic ties between Malaysia and Indonesia. It also highlights the importance both countries place on modernizing and streamlining customs procedures to facilitate trade, especially in the Asia-Pacific region where trade dynamics are rapidly evolving.
“Both countries are keen on leveraging their geographical proximity and historical ties to enhance economic cooperation. This meeting is a step in the right direction,” said Askolani.
As the Asia-Pacific region becomes increasingly interconnected, meetings like these are crucial for setting the stage for more robust economic collaborations. They not only address immediate challenges but also pave the way for long-term partnerships that can benefit both nations and the broader region.
