General Administration of Customs: APEC Economies Should Step Up Efforts to Eliminate Trade Barriers

Release Time: 2026‑08‑25 09:24                                                                               Source: General Administration of Customs                                                 Font Size: Small Medium Large

Published on August 25, 2026, Page A07 of Economic Information Daily

As an important component of events for the APEC 'China Year', the three‑second full meeting of the APEC Subcommittee on Customs Procedures 2026 convened in Dalian, Liaoning Province on the 22nd. Zhang Baofeng, Vice Minister of the General Administration of Customs of China, stated that APEC economies should step up efforts to eliminate trade barriers and adopt more tangible measures to address cross‑border trade bottlenecks, so as to build a safer, more stable and more efficient Asia‑Pacific supply chain.

“Security and facilitation constitute the enduring themes of customs governance,” said Zhang Baofeng. Against the backdrop of growing fragmentation of global supply chains, adjusting rules and standards and strengthening supply‑chain resilience have never been more urgent. It is hoped that all parties will take this meeting as an opportunity to deepen alignment of rules and standards, enhance coordination in risk prevention and control regulation, cut transaction costs, boost customs clearance efficiency, and deliver a safer, more transparent and more predictable business environment for enterprises.

Currently, the Asia‑Pacific region is home to one‑third of the world’s population, accounts for over 60 percent of global economic output and nearly half of world trade, serving as a key engine for global economic growth. As a member of the Asia‑Pacific community, China registered a total import and export volume of 18.03 trillion yuan with other APEC economies in the first seven months of this year, representing a year‑on‑year increase of 21 percent. The growth rate outpaced that of China’s overall goods trade for the same period, pointing to huge potential for regional cooperation.

Observations of intelligent equipment, experience‑sharing and consensus‑building on development… China Customs shared the latest progress of its Smart Customs Partners Programme on‑site and hosted an exhibition showcasing achievements in smart‑customs development. To further deepen APEC customs‑related cooperation, Zhang Baofeng put forward three propositions. First, uphold genuine multilateralism to jointly foster a new pattern of open and inclusive Asia‑Pacific cooperation. Second, forge ahead in the digital era and reshape new paradigms for customs governance through scientific and technological innovation. Third, balance security and facilitation, and underpin sustained prosperity across the Asia‑Pacific with robust and sound supply chains.

On the same day, the meeting announced the adoption of the China‑initiated cooperation document APEC Customs Boosting Technology and Innovation for Enhanced Trade Security and Facilitation.

Established in 1994, the APEC Subcommittee on Customs Procedures is chaired by China Customs in 2026. This meeting marks another in‑depth dialogue following its first full session held in Guangzhou in February this year. Centering on cutting‑edge topics including artificial intelligence, smart customs, electronic bills of lading, cross‑border e‑commerce and the international trade single window, the gathering drew more than 100 participants consisting of customs delegates from all 21 APEC economies, relevant government departments, international organizations and business‑community representatives.