A recent spate of activity on the international scene has showcased ICC World Chambers Federation work in international networking, trade facilitation, customs procedures and standardization of issuance procedures for non-preferential certificates of origin (CO) and the promotion of the role played by chambers of commerce in the issuance of CO.

Attending a capacity building programme in Tokyo in October, participants from Pakistan, India, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia and the Philippines were given insight on how they can better serve the expanding international business community in their countries through internationalizing their Customs practices via the implementation and expansion of the ATA Carnet System and ICC-WCF membership.

Jointly organized by the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) and sponsored by the Japanese government, the programme also informed participants on the ICC-WCF initiative to raise the level of credibility and acceptance of CO issued by chambers for letter of credit and Customs clearance. 

Responding to the positive outcomes of the event, Mrs Lee Ju Song, Chair of the ICC World Chambers Federation CO Task Force and Director, ICC Asia, said: “It has been a rewarding experience to work with such interactive and attentive participants. Many have expressed keen interest in trade facilitation matters and have already planned to invite me for follow-up. My future plans to include Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, Cambodia and Laos have been met with much enthusiasm. We also aim to expand the operation of the ATA Carnet System in India.”

Mrs Lee’s outreach in Tokyo has led to a closer working rapport with the JCCI and taken another step in promoting regional chambers of commerce networking.

In early November, Mrs Lee presented ICC-WCF work on Customs procedures and trade documentation at a regional Customs seminar for Association of Southeast Asian Nations Customs officials, hosted by Korea Customs in Seoul.

During deliberations, Kim Ju-Han, Director of Korea Customs shared Mrs Lee’s view on the difficulties faced by the business community, such as increased costs in meeting the different free trade agreement (FTA) rules of origin. Mrs Lee said: “There is a general concern that there is a need to review the existing FTAs’ rules of origin and examine how best to achieve greater transparency and simplification.”

Mrs Lee explored the possible role of chambers in setting up a Regional Authorised Trader System. Calling for the liberalization of the issuance of certificates for preferential exports and for establishing an international standard for the verification of origin, Mrs Lee told participants that ICC-WCF Certificate of Origin Task Force work would be relevant to the forum because an international standard for the issuance of CO had already been set up. “The way forward is Electronic Certificates of Origin as a solution for trade facilitation and secured trade,” she said.

The meeting included a presentation of a web-based Certification System by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

“The response to ICC participation at such regional forums has been well received and I’m very glad to note that a Regional Committee on Customs Procedures/Rules of Origin will be set up,” said Mrs Lee. “We look forward to working with this committee and contributing to its deliberations.”

Mrs Lee also met with World Customs Organization (WCO) representatives who responded positively to a call for closer collaboration. The WCO will inform members of WCF work and a review meeting is due to take place in early 2008.

During a meeting with the European Commission, Taxation and Customs Union Directorate-General in Bruxelles on 27 November, Mrs Lee gave an update on the work of the CO task force and a review of developments regarding the issuance of preferential CO in Asia. It was noted that WCF members in Japan, Australia and Korea have been authorized by their Customs authorities to issue preferential CO. The possible role of chambers in Approved Economic Operator Schemes was also explored during the meeting.