Kuching: The Royal Customs and Excise Department, Ministry of Finance and Economy has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) agenda aimed at fortifying regional economic integration, facilitating trade, and enhancing cooperation among member countries. The 16th BIMP-EAGA Heads of Customs Meeting recently took place in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.

According to Radio Television Brunei, the country’s delegation at the meeting was headed by Awang Muhammad Azizil Hakim bin Brahim, Acting Controller, Royal Customs and Excise. Key issues discussed during the event included updates on projects under the BIMP-EAGA Trade Facilitation Cluster and Customs Working Group, as well as consultations with the private sector via the BIMP-EAGA Business Council focusing on potential convergence projects. Additionally, technical assistance provided by the Asian Development Bank was a significant topic of discussion. A notable outcome of the meeting was the endorsement of the Royal Malaysian Customs Academy in Kuching, Sarawak, as the BIMP-EAGA Training Centre, which will now serve as the primary training hub for Customs Administrations.