Following Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, the ASEAN Customs Transit System (ACTS) Outreach Event received a very warm welcome from the private sector stakeholders in Cambodia. A total of 58 participants were present during the two-and-a-half-hour event on 16th June 2022. The benefits of the event to all those present were enhanced by providing simultaneous translation from English to Khmer and vice versa.
The presentations by the technical experts of ARISE Plus, Mr Aivaras Pigaga and Mr Skevos Miaoulis included useful information on processes at departure, border and destination, common terminology, bank guarantees and the registration process.
The testimony by Mr S. Pirithivaraj, General Manager of City Zone Express Sdn Bhd illustrated the effectiveness and efficiency of ACTS on the ground. City Zone Express has participated in ACTS live movements between Cambodia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam for more than a year. Given the positive gains they aim to further expand the use of ACTS for other routes.
The participants were eager to know more about the new possibilities that digitalisation of the customs transit system in the ASEAN region has to offer. During the Q&A session participants sought more information on the readiness of the local banks, ASEAN goods vehicle cross border permit and the permitted routes. In response the ACTS Central Management Team and ARISE Plus experts were happy to provide the necessary explanation. Participants were also glad to learn that all ACTS registration charges are borne by the ASEAN member state governments respectively and as such is free of charge
ARISE Plus encouraged interested participants to sign up for the Follow-up Workshops offered to clarify any doubts and offer further assistance to help companies embark on a new era of customs transit with ACTS. A total of 13 companies who attended the workshop have signed up for Follow-up Workshops. ARISE Plus with the close support of the ASEC ACTS Central Management Team remain committed towards bringing ACTS to all ASEAN Member States to ensure no one gets left out. Next stop Lao PDR on July 21st.