ASEAN Day Reflections: 2023 Highlights from the USAID ASEAN Policy Implementation Project

As we commemorate ASEAN Day, IBI is taking a moment to reflect on the achievements of the USAID ASEAN Policy Implementation (API) project in the third quarter of 2023.

The goal of API is to help put ASEAN policies into action for Member States. We're pleased to share some of the progress we made during the past quarter.

One of our key initiatives has focused on improving trade across ASEAN, outlined our steps towards a more unified market, faster trade transactions, better competition, and stronger production networks. We're proud that our work is helping ASEAN countries fulfill their commitments to these important regional goals.

During the past quarter, we completed key tasks for the ASEAN Customs Declaration Document (ACDD) Operations Portal and the API Routing Platform for the Government of the Philippines. After a successful training for Bureau of Customs (BOC) officials, we're now preparing to transition the portal to the Azure environment by September 2023, when BOC will take over.

We also completed two Audio Visual Presentations (AVPs) for the Philippines Bureau of Customs' public awareness campaign. Once approved, these will be shared on the BOC's YouTube Channel to educate the public about new trade processes.

We've also been busy supporting Indonesia's work on the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA). Working with the Center for Indonesian Policy Studies (CIPS) and Indonesia's Ministry of Trade, we collected data and drafted a report assessing Indonesia's readiness to implement the DEFA. The draft report was submitted to Indonesia's Ministry of Trade this quarter.

As we celebrate ASEAN Day, we reaffirm our solidarity with the ASEAN community and our shared vision for a more united, prosperous, and resilient ASEAN. Happy ASEAN Day!