APRIL 24, 2013 - The country’s campaign against transnational crime and smuggling among other customs and border security breaches recently got a big boost with the signing of the historic Customs Mutual Administrative Assistance Agreement between the Philippines and Russia.
The Mutual Administrative Assistance Agreement is based on a sound and binding legal basis in order to ensure that the data, documents and other information that will be used in the exchange of information will be used exclusively in combating customs offenses only.
In a historic ceremony held at the Manila Hotel, Customs Commissioner Rozzano Rufino Biazon and Department of Foreign Affairs Executive Director for European Affairs Marichu Mauro represented the Philippines while the Russian government was represented by its Ambassador to the Philippines His Excellency Nikolay R. Kudashev and Russian Embassy Deputy Head for Federal Customs Service Vladimir M. Malinin.
The first customs cooperation agreement between the two countries, this landmark agreement shall establish the connectivity of the two (2) customs administrations in strengthening cooperation to fight transnational crimes, commercial fraud and the prevention of customs offences.
The cooperation between Russia and the Philippines shall prevent breaches of customs laws and shall protect the economic, fiscal, social and commercial interests of their respective countries including the assurance for appropriate and efficient customs duty collection.
This arrangement shall promote a more facilitative and security-conscious customs administration and shall ultimately pave the way towards a business environment that is healthy dynamic, fair and safe.