​03 June 2025

The 34th Meeting of the ASEAN Directors-General of Customs was officially inaugurated on 3rd June 2025, hosted by the Royal Customs and Excise Department, Ministry of Finance and Economy in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam. The opening ceremony was officiated by Yang Mulia Pengiran Datin Seri Paduka Hajah Zety Sufina binti Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Sani, Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy (Fiscal).

The Meeting was attended by approximately 90 delegates from 10 Customs administrations of ASEAN Member States, Timor-Leste, the ASEAN Secretariat, and ASEAN Dialogue partners including Australian Border Force, China Customs, Japan Customs, Korea Customs, the World Customs Organization (WCO), US-ASEAN Business Council, EU-ASEAN Business Council, and ASEAN Business Advisory Council.

In his welcoming speech, the incoming Chair, Mr. Muhammad Azizil Hakim bin Haji Brahim, Acting Controller of the Royal Customs and Excise Department, emphasized the importance of advancing customs modernization and collaboration to achieve the objectives of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025. He also highlighted the significant progress made under the Strategic Plan on Customs Development (SPCD) 2021–2025, particularly in digital transformation and trade facilitation, while outlining forthcoming initiatives for 2026–2030. 

The Meeting is scheduled from 3rd to 5th June in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam with the aim of strengthening regional customs cooperation and advancing ASEAN integration through key initiatives such as the ASEAN Single Window and the ASEAN Customs Transit System. Whilst also focusing on enhancing trade facilitation through streamlined procedures, regulatory efficiency, and inclusive policies to support MSMEs, including tailored AEO programs. In addition, the Meeting will address digital transformation, improved risk management, and stronger enforcement to combat smuggling and ensure compliance. Consultations with Dialogue Partners and the private sector will also be held to gather recommendations and align customs regional efforts with global standards. 

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Prepared by: 

Royal Customs and Excise Department 

Ministry of Finance and Economy 

Email: info@customs.gov.bn 

Date: 06 Zulhijjah 1446 03 June 2025 

Reference: RCED/PR/1/2025