Vietnamese customs officials inspect goods at Hai Phong Port. — VNA /VNS Photo

Viet Nam is to host a meeting for the heads of customs agencies from Asia and Europe on October 9-10 in Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province, according to deputy chief of the General Department of Vietnam Customs Mai Xuan Thanh.

Priorities in customs co-operation among ASEM countries include trade facilitation, supply-chain security, anti-counterfeiting activities, intellectual property rights and environmental protection.

The gathering is expected to produce an action plan for ASEM customs agencies for 2020-21 focusing on the implementation of the one-door mechanism, artificial intelligence, blockchain technology and stopping the trafficking of waste from one country to another.

Thanh said the gathering would help strengthen co-operation, which was becoming increasingly important as customs agencies faced a rising number of challenges to ensure security and prevent the smuggling of contraband.

The gathering, which is part of the bi-annual Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), will welcome leaders from 53 customs agencies,the World Customs Organization, the European Union Customs Union and representatives from ASEM embassies.

ASEM aims to foster equitable partnerships, mutual respect and benefits for all. The event will give policymakers and Government officials an opportunity to discuss common political and socio-economic issues taking place at other international organisations such as the United Nations and the World Trade Organisation.

ASEM was established in Bangkok in 1996. Its membership has grown to 53 partners consisting of 21 Asian countries, 30 European countries, the ASEAN Secretariat and the European Union. — VNS