The status of the ASEAN Work Program on Trade Facilitation which includes the latest status of the Non-Tariff Measures Cost Effectiveness Toolkit, NTM Toolkit which is one of Brunei Darussalam’s Priority Economic Deliverables for this year was discussed during the 21st ASEAN Trade Facilitation Joint Consultative Committee Meeting, ATFJCC. The meeting held on the 26th and 28th July 2021, via video conferencing at the International Convention Centre, ICC, Berakas was chaired by Dr. Hajah May Fa’ezah binti Haji Ahmad Ariffin, Permanent Secretary for Economy at the Ministry of Finance and Economy, as the Chair of ATFJCC for 2021.
Following the 20th ATF-JCC meeting held in May 2021, the meeting also discussed the progress on the Implementation Plan of the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework, A-C-R-F; updates on the 2021 ASEAN Trade Facilitation Work Programme and Priorities; proposed ASEAN Trade Facilitation Work Programme and Priorities for 2022; expansion of the list of essential goods for the Memorandum Of Understanding On The Implementation Of Non-Tariff Measures On Essential Goods Under The Hanoi Plan Of Action On Strengthening ASEAN Economic Cooperation And Supply Chain Connectivity In Response To The COVID-19 Pandemic; and the Mid-Term Review of AEC 2025. Also held were consultations with external parties to discuss areas for technical cooperation and assistance. Among the developments is the publication of the ASEAN Seamless Trade Facilitation Indicators, ASTFII Baseline Study. The meeting was also attended by representatives of the ASEAN Member States, Chairpersons or representatives of the relevant ASEAN sectoral bodies as well as external parties.
Source: Radio Television Brunei