Second Meeting of the Trade Facilitation Working Group

28-29 June 2001

Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Introduction
The Second Meeting of the GMS Trade Facilitation Working Group (TFWG-2) was held on 2829 June 2001 at the Le Royal Hotel in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The Meeting was chaired by
His Excellency Cham Prasidh, Minister of Commerce of the Royal Government of Cambodia,
and Mr. Sok Siphana, Secretary of State, Ministry of Commerce of Cambodia, and co-chaired
by Mr. C. R. Rajendran, Manager, Programs Department West Division 3 (PW3) of the Asian
Development Bank (ADB), Mr. Nibhom Debavalaya, Director, International Trade and Industry
Division, UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP); and Mr.
Myo Thant, Senior Regional Cooperation Economist, PW3, ADB. The objectives of TFWG are
to: (i) review recent developments in the GMS that have implications on trade facilitation; (ii)
exchange information on border trade data and policies; (iii) review the status of priority projects
identified at the Inception Meeting of the TFWG; (iv) consider the recommendations of the
Workshop on Customs Facilitation in the GMS held in Hat Yai on 23-24 May 2001, and identify
pilot border crossings for implementing customs cooperation modalities recommended by the
Workshop; and (v) formulate a workplan to guide future activities. The Meeting agenda is in
Appendix 1.
The Meeting was attended by: (i) GMS trade, customs and other officials from the Kingdom of
Cambodia, the People's Republic of China (the PRC), Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao
PDR), Union of Myanmar, Kingdom of Thailand, and the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam; (ii)
representatives from ESCAP; and (iii) observers from bilateral agencies. ADB staff and
consultants also attended as resource persons. The list of participants is in Appendix 2.
Opening Session
His Excellency, Mr. Cham Prasidh, Minister of Commerce of the Royal Government of
Cambodia delivered the opening statement on behalf of the Government. He welcomed the
participants on behalf of the Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia and extended his
appreciation to the ADB and ESCAP for arranging the Meeting in Phnom Penh in close
partnership with the Ministry of Commerce. He observed that although trade facilitation is one of
eight priority sectors of cooperation under the GMS Program framework, it took seven years to
establish the proper mechanism to deal with it. At the Inception Meeting of the Trade Facilitation
Working Group Meeting in Bangkok in November in 1999, nine priority areas were identified.
Some of these priorities have been discussed at the ESCAP-sponsored Workshop on Trade
Facilitation in Indochina held on 26-27 June in Phnom Penh. He reminded the participants of the
important issues that need to be addressed by the Meeting, namely: the selection of bordercrossings for piloting single-stop and single-window inspection by concerned customs offices;
setting up of a system regular exchange of cross-border trade information; institutional
arrangements for customs arrangements in the GMS and a workplan to guide future activities.
He encouraged participants to be open in their discussions and propose concrete, resolute, and
pragmatic recommendations for the GMS Governments that can be considered at the
forthcoming Tenth Ministerial Meeting.
Mr. Nibhon Debavalya, Director, International Trade and Industry Division, UN Economic and

Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) extended his greetings and welcome to
the Meeting participants. He stated that the establishment of the Trade Facilitation Working
Group in 1999 was an important step towards improving business performance and trade
competitiveness of the GMS countries and in facilitating intra- and inter-regional subregional
trade. As the GMS countries advance towards greater liberalization of trade and open economy,
increased movement of goods and services will require trade facilitation measures to support
smooth, fast, and cost-effective trade transactions. As discussed in the Workshop on Trade
Facilitation in Indochina sponsored by ESCAP, there is a growing realization by the countries in
the region that trade facilitation measures are necessary to supplement the trade liberalization
process in order to bring about efficiency in trade, improve productivity, and business
performance. To assist the GMS countries in their trade liberalization efforts, ESCAP will start
the second round of trade facilitation project in two key areas: (i) alignment of trade documents
of Cambodia, Myanmar, and Viet Nam, through revisions in the 1998 version of the alignment
exercise; in addition the first alignment of trade documents of Lao PDR will be made; and (ii)
training for trainers in the public and business sectors, using a training manual with a version in
the local lanaguage. He reiterated ESCAP's commitment to provide support to this initiative in
close cooperation and other relevant agencies including the ADB and UNCTAD.
Mr. C. R. Rajendran, Manager, Programs Department West Division 3, welcomed the
participants on behalf of ADB. He cited the significant progress in infrastructure development in
the GMS over the last 10 years and how trade has benefited from recent improvements in
transport, telecommunications, and energy. For instance, among the countries in the East West
Corridor, trade has expanded rapidly by an average of 33 percent a year for the combined value
of imports and exports between Myanmar, Lao PDR, and Thailand. To further complement
investments in infrastructure, GMS countries have entered into agreements to facilitate crossborder movements of goods and peoples in the subregion. Mr. Rajendran observed that as
countries become more integrated with the regional and global trading environment, there is a
need to accelerate improvements in trade facilitation measures, starting with neighboring
countries. Although GMS countries have made notable progress in reducing trade and non-tariff
barriers, as well as customs inefficiencies, several impediments to trade still remain and should
be addressed through mutual cooperation among the GMS countries. He emphasized however,
that trade facilitation is only a part of the larger macroeconomic reform agenda which countries
must continue to undertake in order to achieve their growth targets. Exchange rate and
investment policies, as well as sector issues in finance, transport, and telecommunications are
equally important dimensions of the national policy agenda in leveraging trade with development
objectives. Regional cooperation in trade facilitation can enhance and amplify on national efforts
by expanding access to markets, thus providing wider development options for developing
countries.
In his opening statement, Mr. Urooj Malik, Resident Representative of the ADB Mission in
Cambodia, observed that Cambodia's hosting of the Second Trade Facilitation Working Group
Meeting underscores the importance that the country gives to trade liberalization and facilitation.
Despite the worst floods last year in over 70 years, the Cambodian economy showed resilience,
posting a GDP growth of over 5 percent in 2000. The Government's Second Socioeconomic
Development Plan, which is currently under preparation with support from the ADB, sets a GDP
growth target of 6 to 7 percent over the medium-term, as prudent economic policies and sector
reforms are implemented and good governance practices are put in-place. Expansion in trade -- especially garments exports --- agriculture and agro-based industry and tourism are expected
to play an important role in this growth scenario. He informed the Meeting that Cambodia has
recently decided to accede to the Trilateral Agreement Among Lao PDR, Thailand, and Viet
Nam for the Facilitation of Cross-Border Movement of Goods and Peoples in the GMS. This is a

significant step towards the goal to have all GMS countries eventually sign this framework
agreement by 2001 and to have all annexes and protocols implemented by 2005. Mr. Malik
further gave a background of the events leading to the Second Meeting of the Trade Facilitation
Working Group. He outlined the key tasks of the Meeting which includes a review of the status
of implementation of priority projects on trade facilitation, the selection of border crossings for
piloting customs cooperation, regular exchange of trade information, and the formulation of a
work plan to guide future activities.
Review of Developments in the GMS with Implications on Trade Facilitation
Overview of Recent Developments in the GMS
To set the context for Meeting, Mr. Myo Thant, Senior Regional Cooperation Economist, GMS
Unit, ADB discussed recent developments in the GMS and its implications on trade facilitation.
He noted that the expansion of physical connections, recent policies on market openness, and
the gradual integration of the GMS countries into the regional and global trading environments
are compelling the need for facilitating economic activities at the borders. Under the GMS
Program, major transport routes are in various stages of implementation, among them the
Phnom Penh-Ho Chi Minh City Road, the East West Corridor, the North South Corridor, and the
Kunming Hanoi Haiphong Multimodal Transport Projects. More recently, the development of
transport routes have been expanded into the development of economic corridors which links
transport infrastructure to production and trade potentials within a well-defined economic space.
In the context of these developments, trade and investment facilitation in the GMS has
increasingly become important. At the Inception Meeting of the Trade Facilitation Working
Group held in November 1999, the GMS countries agreed to closely cooperate on trade
facilitation in nine priority activities, namely: (i) establishment of national institutional
arrangements for trade facilitation; (ii) national studies and seminars on regulatory, procedural,
and documentation systems for international trade; (iii) pilot testing trade facilitation
arrangements in the GMS; (iv) customs cooperation; (v) development of common information
systems and trade facilitation e-communication systems; (vi) subregionalization of bilateral
arrangements; (vii) cooperation in agricultural trade; (viii) establishment of a dispute settlement
mechanism; and (ix) establishment of a payments system for GMS trade. Among these nine
activities, it was agreed to give priority to the first four, with ESCAP taking the lead role in
supporting the first two, and the ADB taking the lead role in supporting the third and fourth
activities. It was agreed to take up the remaining five projects at a later stage.
In order to move the activity on customs cooperation forward, an ad-hoc Sub-Group on
Customs Matters met on 11 January 2000 and identified seven potential areas of cooperation
namely: (a) single window inspection, (b) single stop inspection, (c) coordination of hours of
operation, (d) transparency of customs practices, and (e) adherence to the Kyoto Convention,
(e) automation of customs procedure system, and (f) compatibility among GMS countries of
statistics and data elements of declaration forms for customs purposes. Another Workshop on
Customs Facilitation in the GMS was organized in Hat Yai, Thailand from 23-24 May 2001 to
discuss the implementation modalities in these areas.
Pre-Investment Study of the East West Corridor: Trade and Investment Report
Mr. Thant provided further details on the concept of economic corridors and presented the
results of the Pre-Investment Study of the East West Economic Corridor which was recently

completed. The East West Economic Corridor (EWEC) extends from Mawlamyine (Myanmar)
through Mukdahan (Thailand), Savanakhet (Lao PDR), to the port of Da Nang (Viet Nam) and is
expected to be realized in 2005 with the completion of road construction along the route. The
road, which is being built with the combined efforts of concerned GMS national Governments,
the Government of Japan and the ADB, will be linked with production and trade potentials in the
area to create a growth zone. With the development other road arteries in the subregion (e.g.
Chiang-Rai-Kunming via Lao PDR) and subregional trade liberalization (through the ASEAN
Free Trade Agreement or AFTA) converging around the years 2004 to 2008, the opening of
gateways borders will increasingly become important. The benefits to be realized from the
EWEC include transport routes linking Mawlamyine to Da Nang by 2005, economic growth,
regional development especially in the remote rural areas, better use of economic space, and
the development of gateway cities and nodal points.
Much of the trade potential of the EWEC will be based on complementary resource
endowments, and differences in the access to markets and technology. The Trade and
Investment Report that is part of the EWEC Pre-Investment Study, has identified several factors
that still need to be addressed to realize the full trade potential of the corridor. These include the
removal of non-tariff barriers, the reduction in the number of products still excluded from the
CEPT Scheme under AFTA (and therefore still with high tariffs), improvements in standard
valuation and labeling practices, reduction or elimination of rent-seeking activities, and
streamlining of administrative procedures, including for customs, at the borders. Mr. Thant
emphasized that without reducing or eliminating these barriers, the full trade potential of the
corridor will not be realized. In addressing these impediments, inputs and feed back from the
private sector are essential. In this regard, the GMS Business Forum, which has been recently
established under the GMS Program should be actively utilized. Other recommendations of the
Trade and Investment Report included: (i) the expansion of the functions of the Border
Committees to include economic development; the development of a trade and investment
information system (data and regulations on border trade); development of subregional
marketing facilities; standardization of trade valuation systems at customs checkpoints;
institutionalization of informal trade (e.g. through welcome plazas); provision of capital for small
and medium enterprises; and closer interaction with the private sector.
Trade Developments in the GMS: Recent Trends and Policies
The GMS countries presented trade developments in their respective countries, focusing on
border trade data and policies. The objective of focusing the presentations on the theme of
border trade is to get a more accurate picture of the magnitude of trade transactions and trends
at the borders as physical infrastructure expands and economic interactions increase among the
GMS countries. The country presentations provided useful information on border trade policies
and how these are contributing to the larger agenda of trade liberalization and economic growth.
The country presentations highlighted the following points:
a) Several border trade and related agreements have been signed and are being
implemented among GMS countries;
b) GMS countries have explicit legislation or policies for promoting border trade, including
the provision of incentives or privileges for business firms trading or operating along the
borders;
c) In general, border trade among GMS countries has increased tremendously from 1995 to
2000;

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d) Factors that have contributed to increased border trade include the development of
physical infrastructure, trade liberalization and market-openness; regional integration
through AFTA and gradual participation in global trading arrangements such as the
WTO; and the desire to establish mutually beneficial relationships with neighboring
countries;
e) Some GMS countries have well-established mechanisms for border trade, although
mechanisms for settling disputes among traders are lacking or inadequate in most
cases; and
f) Technical assistance is still needed by some GMS countries to further build national
capacities for trade promotion and facilitation in general.

The following are the highlights of country presentations:

Cambodia
Mr. Sok Sopheak, Director, ASEAN and International Organizations Department, Ministry of
Commerce, Cambodia stated that in the last two years, Cambodia has responded positively to
changes in the world economic environment through trade liberalization measures. The main
goal of trade policy in Cambodia is to establish a liberal trade regime through regional and
global integration of the Cambodian economy, as well as to promote trade and investment.
Towards these goals, Cambodia became a member of ASEAN in 1999 and joined the Common
Effective Preferential Tariff Scheme (CEPT) for AFTA, and is now preparing for membership in
the WTO. As part of its commitment to these trading arrangements, Cambodia has (i)
harmonized its tariff structure at the 6 to 8 digit level following the Harmonized System (HS); (ii)
reduced tariff rates under the CEPT Scheme for AFTA; and (iii) bound tariffs on imported goods
consistent with WTO principles. There has been a rapid growth in imports and exports as a
result of trade liberalization policies, as well as trade promotion and facilitation measures. The
average share of imports from ASEAN and/or GMS countries between 1998 to 2000 is
approximately 45 percent of total imports. Trade facilitation in the GMS has the potential to
further increase this level of trade. Cambodia has signed trade, transport, tourism, visa
exemption, and economic cooperation agreements with Lao PDR, Thailand, Viet Nam, China
and Myanmar. Since many of the required physical infrastructure is still lacking or inadequate, it
has been proposed that existing facilities among the neighboring countries can temporarily be
shared for purposes of trade facilitation. In this regard, Thailand and Cambodia are currently
taking steps to establish a free trade and/or export processing zone for the mutual benefit of the
two countries.
Mr. Sok Sopheak stressed that capacity building for trade policy, trade promotion and trade
facilitation would be required for both the public and private sectors. In this regard, technical
assistance from donors and other international organizations is required. In particular, technical
assistance would be required for improving the capacity of customs authorities; setting of
national training centers that could be utilized by both private and public sectors; review of
legislation; and the design of a masterplan for transport networking in the GMS.
People's Republic of China
Ms. Yan Luyun, Deputy Director, Department of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Foreign Trade and
Economic Cooperation, PRC explained that the policy of opening up border areas was
implemented by the Chinese Government in the early 1990s. China has border trading activities

with Myanmar, Viet Nam and Lao PDR which has contributed to overall economic development,
prosperity, and good relations in the local areas. Overall import and export value of border trade
reached US$200 million in 1998, US$310 million in 1999, and US$640 million in 2000. The
rapid development of border trade is attributed to four factors, namely: (i) improved and
strengthened economic and trade relations between China and the border countries; (ii) China's
rapid economic growth rate and improvements in the national industrial structure which have
created mutual trade complementarity between China and its border countries (iii) the Chinese
Government's incentive policies towards border trade; and (iv) increased public expenditure on
border infrastructure. The Chinese Government's Foreign Trade Law encourages the promotion
of border trade through lower tax rates on small value transactions, and delegated authority to
the provinces to issue import and export licenses for some commodities covered by border
trade.
At present China has signed bilateral agreements on border trade with Myanmar (1994 and
1997) and Viet Nam (1998) that have facilitated border trade development. No agreement has
yet been signed with Lao PDR. China indicated that it would take continuing efforts to enhance
coordination with bordering countries through regular dialogue, consultation and information
exchange, and improving mechanisms for dispute settlement.
Lao PDR
Mr. Sirisamphanh Vorachith, Deputy Director-General, Economic Research Institute for Trade,
Ministry of Commerce, Lao PDR presented the country's trade policy agenda in the context of
the country's overarching development goal of graduating from Least Developed Country Status
by 2020 through poverty reduction, and sustained growth and equity. Lao PDR has taken steps
to shift to a market-based economy, and in recent years have experienced steady growth in
GDP, as well as in the trade and investment sectors. The country's short-term growth prospects
are positive. Trade is an important sector, with exports comprising 22 percent of GDP, and
imports, 36 percent. The trade sector however, has been adversely affected by the economic
crisis, with the resulting trade deficit causing a deterioration of the exchange rate, weak balance
of payments, and high inflation. To reduce the trade deficit, the Government has restricted
imports of luxury goods, regulated border trade to curb illegal trade and smuggling, and
encouraged local production and import substitution. The Government has also taken steps to
diversify export products and markets, concentrating on products where Laos has a
comparative advantage.
In addition to prudent economic management, Lao PDR has also focused on building the
capacity of its institutions to integrate with subregional, regional, and global trading systems.
Further trade liberalization will be brought in line with WTO agreements in order to facilitate the
accession process. The participation of Lao PDR in the CEPT for AFTA is an important step in
this direction. However, because the Lao economy is highly dependent on neighboring
countries, much will depend on the management of foreign economic relations.
Myanmar
U Nyunt Aye, Director General, Directorate of Trade, Ministry of Commerce of Myanmar cited
three border trade agreements with GMS countries, namely PRC (1994), Thailand (1996), and
Lao PDR (2000). To provide closer supervision and further facilitate border trade, the Ministry of
Commerce established the Department of Border Trade in 1996 with 10 branch offices. Import-

export permits are issued by these branch offices at the borders. Among the GMS countries,
China and Thailand are Myanmar's major trading partners; trade with Viet Nam, Lao PDR and
Cambodia has been negligible. The volume of border trade has increased, reaching the peak
level of US$411 million in 2000-2001 of which 65 percent is accounted for by trade with China.
Myanmar-Thai border trade increased in 2000-2001 to US$105 million, with Myanmar realizing
a trade surplus over Thailand. To facilitate trade at the border, Myanmar has allowed the use of
other currencies such as Kyat, Yuan, Thai Baht, and the Lao Kip.
U Nyunt Aye also described investment laws and policies in Myanmar to encourage foreign
direct investments. Investment incentives in the form of tax holidays and exemptions,
guarantees against naturalization, and other forms of privileges and incentives are provided to
attract foreign investments into the country.
Thailand
Mr. Chana Kanaratanadilok, Assistant Director General for Policy and Planning of the
Deaprtment of Business Economics, Thailand provided information on border trade statistics
with Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and transit trade statistics with Viet Nam and Yunnan
Province of PRC, as well as the status of agreements with these countries. Border trade
between Thailand and these countries have increased tremendously from a level of 35.9 million
Baht in 1995 to 99.4 million Baht in 2000. Transit trade with Viet Nam comprise the largest
share, ranging from 12.7 percent in 1995 and increasing to almost half of total border trade in
2000. Border trade with Lao PDR is about 21 percent in 2000 from a level of 29 percent in 1995.
Thailand's policies on border trade are directed towards further promoting trade gateways along
the border, enhancing economic cooperation with neighbors for mutual benefit, and the
application of new technology to improve efficiency in operations. Supporting policies include
the reduction of non-tariff barriers, and facilitation of trade, investment and cross-border
transport of goods and people. The institutional mechanisms that implement border trade are
the Committee on Promoting Border Trade, the Subcommittee for Solving Border Trade
Problems, and the Border Trade Information Center. The Committee on Promoting Border
Trade operates at the policy level and is responsible for formulating recommendations on border
trade policy, improvement of regulations and laws to facilitate border trade, and national
positions and strategies. The Subcommittee for Solving Border Trade on the other hand,
functions at the operating level and is responsible for promoting trade relations with neighboring
countries, solving border trade problems, and providing trade information to the public.
Meanwhile the Border Trade Information Center serves as a supporting agency for providing
trade information and data, and conducts research and analysis on the impact of economic and
political factors on border trade. An important issue in the present conduct of border trade is the
implementation of the WTO Valuation Agreement (WVA) that started in May 2000. Customs
officers as well as importers need to be trained in the WVA in order to clarify and solve
problems on valuation.
Viet Nam
Mrs. Tran Phoung Lan, Deputy Chief, ASEAN Division, Multilateral Department Ministry of
Trade, Viet Nam informed the Meeting that cross-border trade at the Vietnamese border zones
of Lao PDR, Cambodia, and PRC have been increasing as a result of the 1998 Government
policy to establish pilot economic zones at these borders. The policy expanded the scope of
activities in the border zones to include re-exports, goods in transit, warehousing, and the

operations of duty free-shops. Privileges have been extended to firms doing business in these
areas in terms of investment, trade, tourism, land rentals, and tax privileges. In addition, the
Vietnamese Government has promulgated several legal issuances on cross-border trade.
These pertain to the regulation of formally- and informally-traded goods, and the conduct of
cross-border trade regimes between Viet Nam and three countries---PRC, Lao PDR, and
Cambodia. These regulations deal with simplification of customs clearance procedures,
customs valuation, and waiver of business registration. Despite progress in cross-border trade
in recent years, difficulties remain. These include: (i) lack of information on management
mechanisms for traded goods; (ii) increased risk for traders who are required to make payments
only in cash; (iii) non-compulsory application of sanitary and phytosanitary measures for imports
and exports; and (iv) lack of mechanisms by which traders could settle their disputes. A recent
government decision has provided certain incentives for companies or firms doing business in a
cross-border area as a means to promote trade between Viet Nam and neighboring countries.
As a result of these policies, cross-border trade in specific crossings between Viet Nam and Lao
PDR, Cambodia, and Viet Nam increased by 170 percent from US$1.012 billion in 1995 to
US$2.717 billion in 2000.
To further pursue its policy of promoting border trade, Viet Nam proposed the Lao Bao border
crossing in Lao PDR for pilot testing customs cooperation modalities agreed upon under the
GMS framework. In selecting the pilot sites, Viet Nam was guided by the following criteria: (i)
increasing volume of trade and transit goods; (ii) availability of inter-agency personnel; and (iii)
potential of a major road network or facilities.
Trade Facilitation in the GMS
Mr. Grant Vinning, ADB Consultant under RETA 5713, presented the highlights of his Report on
Trade Facilitation in the GMS. He stressed the importance of approaching trade facilitation in a
holistic manner, incorporating both the software and hardware components, and the perspective
from the business sector. The key points emphasized in his presentation are as follows: (i)
improvement in the management of freight logistics is important to realize the economic pay-offs
from transport infrastructure; (ii) cool chain management should be given priority attention since
GMS economies are primarily agriculture-based; (iii) transaction costs must be reduced to
attract businesses to the subregion; (iv) the large number of exclusions from the CEPT, and in
particular those highly-traded commodities, should be reduced to further liberalize trade in the
context of AFTA; (v) trade agreements are in place but implementation is weak because of
inadequate capacities in the national bureaucracies; and (vi) customs automation would be
difficult, not only because of the costs involved, but also because of possible resistance from
private business. To address some of these issues, Mr. Vinning put forward the following
recommendations: (i) electronic funds transfers should be piloted as an initial step towards
automation; (ii) training should be provided to the private sector on customs procedures; (iii) a
time release study should be conducted for selected commodities with the view to identifying
areas where operations could be made more efficient; (iv) take steps to initiate improvements in
cool chain management; (v) supply chain studies are needed to achieve the most competitive
position for the GMS countries; and (vi) training in supply chain management should be
conducted.
The Meeting made the following comments and observations on the presentation made under
Session II:
a) Thailand took exception to the observation of Mr. Vinning about the large number of

9
CEPT exclusions in Thailand and suggested that this should be assessed relative to the
number and commodity composition of CEPT exclusions of other countries participating
in AFTA.
b) Cambodia proposed that future Meetings of the TFWG should involve the private sector;
c) ADB supported Cambodia's proposal and suggested that private sector participation
could be through the GMS Business Forum which was established in October 2000.
d) Building on the ideas from the presentation, ADB also suggested that important areas for
follow up could include an analysis of time and costs incurred along the various steps in
the trade chain, and a trade flow analysis where trade potential and complementarities
among the GMS countries could be studied.

Status of Implementation of Priority Projects on Trade Facilitation

In Session III, the Meeting reviewed the status of implementation of nine priority areas that were
identified at the Inception Meeting of the TFWG. ESCAP presented a report of the first two
projects combined since these are related, and ADB did the same for the third and fourth
projects. The GMS countries also reviewed the remaining five projects and came up with
proposals for possible implementation.
1) Establishment of National Institutional Arrangements for Trade Facilitation in the
GMS
2) National Studies and Seminars on Regulatory, Procedural, and Documentation
Systems for International Trade
Ms. Kimiko Uno, Chief, Trade Promotion and Facilitation Section, UN ESCAP, presented the
Summary of ESCAP's Initiatives on Trade Development in the GMS Countries and for the Trade
Facilitation Working Group. She stressed the importance of addressing trade facilitation in a
holistic manner because it involves a complex set of issues that includes not only import-export
procedures, but also transport formalities, insurance, and payment and supply chain issues. It
was recognized that several international development organizations, including ESCAP and
ADB, are assisting the GMS in addressing various aspects of trade facilitation. In the case of
ESCAP, the objectives of trade facilitation assistance to the GMS are to: (i) simplify,
standardize, and harmonize trade related documents and procedures of the GMS countries; and
(ii) develop national institutional arrangements for trade facilitation. In line with these objectives,
ESCAP has taken the following initiatives: (i) alignment of trade documentation; (ii) national
workshops on trade facilitation; and (iii) development of training manuals for trade facilitation. In
connection with the first activity, ESCAP has initiated a project called "Alignment of Trade
Documents of Cambodia, Myanmar and Viet Nam" in 1999 that had the objective of aligning the
documents of these countries with the UN Layout Key for Trade Documents. The output of this
project is a published guidebook that can be used by countries for assessing the degree of
alignment of their documents with the UN Layout Key. For the second activity, ESCAP
implemented a project on "National Workshops on Trade Facilitation" for Cambodia, Lao PDR,
and Viet Nam in 2001, with the objective of raising awareness among various agents---both
from the public and private sectors---of the various issues involved in trade facilitation and
providing inputs to policy makers. The Workshops came up with several useful and important
recommendations. To assist the countries in conducting such seminars and workshops on a
structured and regular basis, ESCAP developed a training manual on trade facilitation. The
manual will be translated into several languages.
Ms. Uno informed the Meeting that ESCAP would continue to assist the GMS countries in

10

improving their trade promotion and trade facilitation capacities. Among the projects under
consideration by ESCAP are: (i) institutionalization and strengthening of existing national trade
facilitation bodies; (ii) development of relevant trade information resources; and (iii) trainors
training on trade facilitation which is planned for September 2001. Through these initiatives,
ESCAP hopes to promote greater efficiency and productivity in service standards that could
eventually generate higher revenues from foreign trade.
The Meeting noted the report of ESCAP which reflected the results of the Workshop on Trade
Facilitation in Indochina held on 26-27 June 2001 just prior to TFWG-2. The following additional
observations and suggestions were made on the ESCAP presentation:
a) PRC proposed for ESCAP to consider financing trainors to conduct the training program
in the GMS countries so that even the private sector could benefit from the training;
b) ESCAP responded that pilot training would be conducted first among the public and
private sectors as this will lead to the revision of the training manual. On this basis, the
training manual could be finalized and used by trainors to disseminate information on
how to use the manual. The second round of sessions will involve ESAP visits to the
countries to give a refined training session.
3) Customs Cooperation in the GMS
4) Pilot Testing Trade Facilitation Arrangements in the GMS
Mr. Myo Thant, ADB presented the highlights of the Workshop on Trade Facilitation held in Hat
Yai on 23-24 May 2001. The Workshop reviewed and affirmed the areas of cooperation agreed
upon by the Ad Hoc Sub-group on Customs Matters that met last January 2000 and grouped
five of the seven areas into three cooperation modalities for purposes of phasing the
implementation. These modalities are: Modality 1: Pilot-testing of single stop, single-window
inspection and common hours of business operations; Modality 2: improvement of transparency
of customs practices; and Modality 3: adherence to the Kyoto Convention. The Workshop
decided to propose focusing cooperation initially on Modality 1 in a pilot border crossing to be
mutually identified by the concerned countries, with the eventual replication of these across all
borders. They also agreed to pursue the two other modalities at a later stage. The Workshop
participants visited Padang Besar Customs House at the border of Malaysia and Thailand which
provided an opportunity for them to observe working cooperation arrangements between the
customs authorities of Malaysia and Thailand. The Workshop also agreed to designate customs
focal point for each country to facilitate coordination among the GMS countries and with ADB.
To further pursue the agreements at the Hat Yai Workshop, Mr. Florian Alburo, ADB Trade and
Customs Facilitation Consultant under RETA 5713, ADB presented alternative instruments of
agreement on customs cooperation. These include: (i) an new agreement; that could require the
lengthy process of legislative ratification; (ii) utilization of full powers given to a Minister (e.g.
Trade or Finance) for committing to the scope of activities under Modality 1; or (iii) identify
existing agreements as basis for expansion, and inclusion of customs cooperation. In this
regard, he proposed for the countries to consider two instruments of agreement: one is a Joint
Declaration by all GMS countries expressing a collective resolve to cooperate on customs
matters on the three modalities, and the second would be a Bilateral Agreement between
cooperating GMS countries involved in a pilot border crossing under Modality 1. This Bilateral
Agreement could be simply an expansion or extension of existing agreements relevant to
customs. The Joint Declaration would be signed by all relevant GMS Ministers, while the
Bilateral Agreements for pilot border crossings would be signed by two Ministers and witnessed

11

by the rest of GMS Ministers to show support and interest in the replication of the results of
cooperation. The activities for the pilot border crossings would include soft components (i.e.,
cross-visits to customs areas; training programs, studies on customs procedures, documents,
etc., workshops) and hard components (possible new infrastructure for a joint customs
warehouse or customs facilities, and equipment). The critical activities would be: (i) preparation
and discussions of draft Joint Declaration and Bilateral Agreement (including identification of
relevant existing bilateral agreements) in July and August 2001; (ii) formal signing in September
on the occasion of the Tenth Ministerial Meeting; and (iii) implementation by November or
December 2001.
Mr. Alburo also discussed the possible institutional arrangements for implementing cooperation
under Modality 1. He proposed that a GMS Sub-Group on Customs Cooperation-Phase I could
be set up to formulate the policy framework for Modality 1. This Subgroup would be composed
of focal persons from each GMS country that would serve as the principal liaison between
customs departments and external agencies and other GMS country customs departments. In
addition, or within the Subgroup, there would be a Joint Committee of two countries to oversee
the implementation of the bilateral agreement.
The following discussions followed from the presentations:
a) Thailand, Cambodia and Lao PDR, sought clarification on whether ADB loan financing is
envisioned for warehouse construction and equipment required for the pilot sites; they
expressed preference for streamlining and maximizing the use of existing facilities rather
than incur a loan for the construction of new ones;
b) Thailand added that there is no need for a common facility between two countries, as the
customs officer of one country could perform inspection functions across the border in
the customs territory of another country; this is in fact already the practice in some
border crossings;
c) Cambodia stated that it is would be necessary to involve the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
once customs personnel of one country is required to perform certain functions in the
territory of another country;
d) Thailand proposed that cooperation on single stop and single window inspection should
first focus on software components;
e) Viet Nam supported Thailand's suggestion and added that warehousing facilities need not
be common for a border crossing; instead warehouse facilities in one country could be
used to service traders in another country;
f) Cambodia expressed the view that priority should be given to the alignment and
harmonization of customs documents before pilot testing customs cooperation
modalities at selected borders.
Having made the above clarifications and suggestions, the Meeting agreed on the three
modalities for customs cooperation, with priority given to Modality 1, as recommended by the
Workshop on Customs Facilitation in the GMS held in Hat Yai on 23-24 May 2001.
The delegates of Lao PDR, Thailand, and Viet Nam had a side Meeting to discuss further the
implementation modalities for customs cooperation. The results of this side Meeting are as
follows:
a) Lao PDR offered to pilot single stop inspection at the border in Savannakhet, and
Thailand offered to pilot single stop inspection at the border in Mukdahan;
b) In addition, Lao PDR and Viet Nam will confirm with their respective authorities, on the

12
inclusion of Den Savanh and Lao Bao as a pilot site for customs cooperation;
c) As regards the modality for implementing customs cooperation, the three countries
agreed on work on a draft Ministerial-level Joint Declaration that could be considered at
the Tenth Ministerial Meeting; the Joint Declaration will also be open to other GMS
countries that may eventually decide to pilot customs cooperation in selected border
areas;
d) The three countries agreed that for purposes of implementing single stop inspection at
the pilot sites, existing bilateral agreements will be used; in this regard, Thailand and
Viet Nam agreed to provide ADB with a copy of the English version of the relevant
bilateral agreements;
e) ADB will assist the countries in drafting the Ministerial-level Joint Declaration and will
send the draft to the GMS countries in due time, with the view to having the Declaration
signed at the Tenth Ministerial Meeting in the third quarter of the year.
f) To ensure continuity in the follow-up activities, the three countries designated their
respective customs focal points which are listed in Appendix 3.

5) Agricultural Cooperation in the GMS

Ms. Ratchanee Wongchantrakarn, Senior Policy and Plan Analyst, Office of Agricultural
Economics, Thailand presented some proposals for agricultural cooperation in the GMS. She
noted the importance of the agriculture sector in the economies of the GMS countries, but
observed that agriculture has also become increasingly vulnerable to changes under free trade
conditions. New issues of protection have emerged in the form of non-tariff barriers affecting
agriculture; among these are sanitary and phytosanitary rules (SPS) and regulations that have
tended to impose difficulties on agricultural exports from developing countries. To maintain
export competitiveness, she suggested that the GMS countries should collectively address
modalities of cooperation. Three possible areas of cooperation include: (i) joint research and
development on pre-and post harvest technology to improve and maintain product quality; (ii)
joint development of product quality and standards through training; and (iii) standardization of
the system of quality control inspection and SPS procedures to meet international requirements.
The participants provided the following comments and reactions to the Thai proposal:
a) Myanmar, Lao PDR, and Cambodia agreed that cooperation in agriculture is important;
they shared the view that the scope of cooperation in agriculture can in fact go beyond
trade-related issues and expand to other areas such as joint ventures in agriculture and
human resources development;
b) ADB invited the participants to also consider the specific recommendations on agriculture
as contained in the EWEC Pre-investment Study Report on Agro-industry Sector;
c) ADB also raised the observation that some of the areas being proposed (e.g. joint
research) may not be within the purview of the TFWG.
The Meeting agreed to request Thailand to develop their proposals further for consideration at
the GMS Senior Officials Meeting prior to the Tenth Ministerial Meeting. In further developing
the proposal, Thailand was requested to consider the following: (i) the appropriateness of
including research and development as part of the activities of the TFWG; (ii) other
recommendations on agriculture cooperation as contained in the EWEC Pre-Investment Study,
Thailand-Cambodia bilateral cooperation, and other regional cooperation programs; and (iii)
possibility of Thailand extending assistance to other GMS countries for certain activities.

13

6) Establishment of a Payments System in the GMS

The PRC delegation noted that since the beginning of the 1990s, the trade, including border
trade, border crossing transaction, investment among the GMS countries have been greatly
increased. Therefore, it is imperative to make a study on how to remove the currency payments
obstacles in order to promote further development of trade and investment in the subregion.
The Meeting made the following observations and comments on the PRC proposal:
a) ADB expressed the view that study of the payments systems is more within the purview
of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and not the GMS Program which has a
geographic focus;
b) Lao PDR proposed that ADB organize a Meeting between the People's Bank of China
and the Bank of Lao PDR in order to seek better mode of payment with a view to
facilitate border trade between the two countries; and
c) Thailand suggested that it may be useful to make a distinction between the problem of the
black market, and the problem of payments in a single currency at border crossings.
ADB proposed to further develop the proposal on payments system for consideration of the
GMS Senior Officials Meeting, taking into account the observations that have been made.
7) Development of Common Information Systems Across the GMS Countries, including
E-Communications for Trade Facilitation
ESCAP informed the Meeting that in the course of assisting the GMS countries in streamlining
regulatory systems and documents, they will incorporate elements of information networking
and e-networking. ESCAP informed the Meeting that they are collaborating with KOTRA and
JETRO which have developed a software for information networking.
8) Establishment of a Dispute Settlement Mechanism in the GMS
9) Subregionalization of Bilateral Agreements in the GMS
The above projects were not discussed by the Meeting.
Cross Border Trade Information Systems
Mr. Myo Thant, ADB proposed a regular system of exchanging the following trade information
with the following content: value, flows, type, major import commodities, trends, agreements,
policies, and institutions (e.g. border committees, and dispute settlement mechanisms). He
proposed a format which the GMS countries could use to provide information that could be
exchanged on a regular basis. ADB will send a questionnaire/format for the countries to
accomplish. On the basis of the information submitted by the countries, the ADB can make an
initial compilation that could be presented to the Tenth Ministerial Meeting.
The GMS countries agreed to the proposal for a regular and systematic exchange of trade
information. In the case of PRC, the information will be provided at the provincial level for
Yunnan.

14

Next Steps: The TFWG Work Plan

Mr. Hans Peter Brunner, Senior Project Economist, Financial Sector and Industry Division West
(IWFI), ADB presented a summary of the activities and proposals that were discussed by the
Meeting. The key ideas include:
a) Trade flow analysis to identify key products, key sectors, and key border crossings;
b) Training workshops on trade flow analysis, logistics flow studies; and training for private
sector in customs;
c) Development of implementation protocols for all trade agreements, review of document
flows, and harmonization and consolidation of trade documentation;
d) Analysis of transaction cost of document flows;
e) Private sector representation in TFWG through the GMS Business Forum;
f) Pilot sites for single-stop customs inspection;
g) Coordination of national data bases on exporters, agents, and carriers, for better risk
assessment;
h) Information systems and EDI applications in pilot sites along the EWEC;
i) Resource and publications center for private and public sector;
j) Agricultural cooperation involving standards and cool chain management.
Mr. Myo Thant, ADB reminded that participants of resource constraints that could affect the
implementation of new initiatives in the GMS. Based on the discussions of the Meeting, he
indicated that the priority activities for ADB support are as follows:
a) Priority should be given to customs cooperation on which specific agreements have been
reached among Lao PDR, Thailand, and Viet Nam;
b) A second priority would be the exchange of trade information among the GMS countries.
On trade document alignment and harmonization, training on trade facilitation, and institutional
strengthening of national trade facilitation bodies, ESCAP will start the second round of trade
facilitation project in two key areas: (i) alignment of trade documents of Cambodia, Myanmar,
and Viet Nam, through revisions in the 1998 version of the alignment exercise; in addition the
first alignment of trade documents of Lao PDR will be made; (ii)training for trainers in the public
and business sectors, using a training manual with a version in the local lanaguage; and (iii)
activities for institutionalization and strengthening of existing national trade facilitation bodies.
Thailand will prepare a more detailed proposal on agriculture cooperation, and PRC on
payments system, for consideration at the next GMS Senior Officials Meeting
To promote private sector participation in the activities of the TFWG, the Meeting endorsed the
following ideas: (i) expansion of the GMS-BF to include local chambers of commerce; (ii)
participation of the private sector in the next TFWG Meeting; (iii) organization a private sector
tour along the East West Economic Corridor; (iv) development of trade and investment
brochures; and (v) conduct private sector training on customs.
As regards the designation of trade focal points, the GMS countries agreed to convey the
names of their designated focal points to ADB. ADB will subsequently compile the list of trade
focal points and disseminate it to the GMS countries.
The Meeting expressed the view that the TFWG meetings should be maintained at the working

15

level to promote a results-oriented approach to the implementation of priority activities. GMS

countries however, suggested that there should be closer coordination with other regional
cooperation schemes to promote complementarity in projects and activities.
Closing Remarks
Mr. Myo Thant thanked the Royal Government of Cambodia for hosting the Meeting, and for the
support extended to all the delegates, including for ADB. He also expressed his appreciation to
the GMS delegations for their active participation in the deliberations of the Meeting, which
contributed to positive and concrete results.
On behalf of the Royal Government of Cambodia, Mr. Sok Siphana also expressed his sincere
thanks to ADB and ESCAP for organizing the TFWG-2. He expressed the hope that with the
concrete results generated from the Meeting, cooperation in trade facilitation can move ahead
and contribute even greater to the development goals of the GMS countries.

16
Appendix 1
Program and Agenda

Chairperson of the Meeting

H.E. Cham Prasidh Minister of Commerce Kingdom of Cambodia
Co-Chairperson of the Meeting
Mr. C.R. Rajendran Manager, Division 3 Programs Department West
Asian Development Bank (ADB)
Day 1: 28 June 2001, Thursday
0900-0930

Registration

Session I:

Opening Session
Welcome and Opening Remarks:
H.E. Cham Prasidh Minister of
Cambodia

Commerce Kingdom

of

Mr. Nibhon Debavalya Director International Trade and Industry

Division UNESCAP
Mr. C. R. Rajendran Manager, Programs Department West,
Division 3 (PW3) Asian Development Bank (ADB)
Mr. Urooj Malik Resident Representative ADB Resident Mission
in Cambodia
1015-1030

Coffee/Tea Break

Session II:

Review of Developments in the GMS with Implications on Trade

1030-1045

Overview of Recent Developments in the GMS

Mr. Myo Thant
Senior Regional Cooperation Economist Programs Department
West, Division 3 (PW3) Asian Development Bank (ADB)

1045-1115

Pre-Investment Study of the East West Corridor: Trade and

Investment Report
Mr. Myo Thant
Senior Regional Cooperation Economist
Programs Department West, Division 3 (PW3)
Asian Development Bank (ADB)
Discussion

1115-1215

Trade Developments in the GMS: Recent Trends and Policies

17

Cambodia
People's Republic of China
Lao People's Democratic Republic
Myanmar
Thailand
Viet Nam

Discussions
1200-1330

Lunch

1330-1400

Trade Facilitation in the GMS

Mr. Grant Vinning Consultant, RETA 5713 Asian Development Bank
Discussion

Session III

Status of Implementation of Priority Projects on Trade Facilitation

1400-1430

1. Establishment of National Institutional Arrangements for Trade

Facilitation in the GMS
2. National Studies and Seminars on Regulatory, Procedural, and
Documentation Systems for International Trade
Ms. Kimiko Uno Chief, Trade Promotion and Facilitation Section
UNESCAP
Discussion

1430-1445

Coffee/Tea Break

1430-1445

3. Customs Cooperation in the GMS:

(a)

Report of the Workshop on Customs Facilitation in Hat Yai,

Thailand
(b) Follow-on Activities for Single-Stop and Single-Window Inspection
and Common Hours of Operation at Selected Border Crossings
(c) Draft Instruments of Agreement for (b)
(d) Possible Institutional Arrangements for Customs Cooperation
4 Pilot Testing Trade Facilitation Arrangements in the GMS
Mr. Myo Thant Senior Regional Cooperation Economist Programs
Department (West) Divsion 3 Asian Development Bank
Mr. Florian Alburo Consultant, RETA 5713 Asian Development Bank
Discussions

18

Day 2: 29 June 2001, Friday

0830-0845

Introduction: Highlights of Discussions in Day 1 and Key Tasks for Day 2

Chairperson or Co-chairperson

Session III

Continued

0845-1000

Discussion of Other Areas of Cooperation in Trade Facilitation

5) Agricultural Cooperation in the GMS
6) Establishment of a Dispute Settlement Mechanism in the GMS
7) Development of Common Information Systems Across the GMS
Countries, including E-Communications for Trade Facilitation
8) Subregionalization of Bilateral Agreements in the GMS
9) Establishment of a Payments System in the GMS
Discussion by GMS Countries

1000-1015

Coffee Break

1015-1045

Trade Information System

Mr. Myo Thant
Senior Regional Cooperation Economist Programs Department (West)
Divsion 3 Asian Development Bank
Discussion

Session IV

Next Steps

1045-1115

TFWG Work Plan

a) Follow-up activities b) Country/Agency Responsibilities c) Critical
Activities Prior to the Ministerial Meeting d) Designation of Focal Points;
Terms of Reference of Focal Points
Mr. Hans-Peter Brunner Senior Project Economist Financial Sector and
Industry Division West Asian Development Bank
Discussion

Session V

Closing Session

1115-1145

Consideration and Adoption of the Summary of Proceedings

1145-1200

Closing Remarks

19

Appendix 2

List of Participants
GMS Countries
Cambodia
Mr. Chheng Saroeun, Deputy Director General, Ministry of Commerce
Mr. Sok Sopheak, Director of ASEAN and International Organization Department, Ministry of
Commerce
Mr. Kong Sophan, Acting Chief of Bureau Legal Affairs, Customs and Excise Department
Mr. Yin Chea, Assistant, Embassy of Japan
Mr. Reth Rongraksa, Head of ASEAN office, Ministry of Planning
Mr. Duong Sophorn, Chief of GMS Office, Ministry of Planning
People's Republic of China
Ms. Yan Luyun, Deputy Director, Department of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Foreign Trade and
Economic (MOFTEC)
Ms. Wang Yan, Section Chief, Departmental of International Trade and Economic, MOFTEC
Mr. Yin Yonglin, Deputy Director, Foreign Economic Cooperation Division, Foreign Trade and
Economic Cooperation Bureau of Yunnan Province
Ms. Zheng Ping, Project Officer, Yunnan Provincial GMS Affairs Office
Lao People's Democratic Republic
Mr. Sirisamphan Vorachith, Deputy Director General, Institute of Economic Research on
Trade and Tourism, Ministry of Commerce and Tourism
Mr. Khampoun Inpenglasabout, Director of International Relations Division, Customs
Department, Ministry of Finance
Ms. Phongsamouth Anlavan, Acting Director of Economic Research Division, Economic
Affairs Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Myanmar
U Nyunt Aye, Director General, Directorate of Trade, Ministry of Commerce
U Than Tun, Assistant Director, Customs Department, Ministry of Finance and Revenue
Daw Khin Than Win, Assistant Director, Foreign Economic Relations Department, Ministry of
National Planing and Economic Development
Thailand
Mr. Chana Kanaratanadilok, Assistant Director General (Policy and Planning), Department of
Business Economics, Ministry of Commerce
Ms. Sophee Siri, Director of Policy and Planning Bureau, The Royal Thai Customs
Mr. Boonyarit Kalayanamit, Minister counsellor (Commercial), Thai Trade Promotion office at
Phnom Penh
Mr. Udom Rattanawongnara, Chief of International Information Sub-division, Thai Customs
Coordinator
Ms. Ratchanee Wongchantrakarn, Senior Policy and Plan Analyst, Office of Agricultural
Economics
Ms. Sumitra Pooltong, Assistant Director, Regional Economics Development Cooperation

20

Committee Office, NESDB

Mr. Thalerngsak Vongsamsorn, Trade Officer, Bureau of Regional Trade and Economic
Cooperation, Department of Business Economics, Ministry of Commerce
Ms. Chompunuch Ramanvongse, Policy and Plan Analyst 4, Office of the National Economic
& Social Development Board, NESDB
Viet Nam
Mrs. Tran Phuong Lan, Deputy Chief, ASEAN Division, Multilateral Department, Ministry of
Trade
Mr. Nguyen Son Thang, Senior Expert, Department for Trade and Services, Ministry of
Planning and Investment
Mrs. Le Thu, Expert, Control and Supervision Department, Department of Customs of Viet
Nam
Observers
ESCAP
Mr. Nibhon Debavalya, Director, Office of the Director, Economic and Social Commission for
Asia and the Pacific
Ms. Kimiko Uno, Chief, Trade Promotion and Facilitation Section, International Trade and
Industry Division, Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific
Mr. Wichai Turongpun, Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific
ITIS
Mr. Leon Khor, Senior Vice President, International Trade Institute of Singapore
Asian Development Bank
Mr. C. R. Rajendran, Manager, Programs Department (West), Division 3
Mr. Urooj Malik, Resident Representative, Cambodia Resident Mission (CaRM)
Mr. Myo Thant, Senior Programs Officer, Programs Department (West), Division III
Mr. Hans Peter Brunner, Senior Project Economist, Financial Sector and Industry Division
(West)
ADB Consultants
Mr. Grant Vinning, Trade Facilitation Consultant, RETA 5713
Mr. Florian Alburo, Customs Facilitation Consultant, RETA 5713
Ms. Carolina Guina, GMS Unit Consultant, Programs Department (West), Division 3
Ms. Yvonne Razote, Project Assistant, GMS Unit, Programs Department (West), Division 3

21
Appendix 3
List of GMS Customs Cooperation Focal Points

Lao PDR
Mr. Khampoun Inpenglasabout Director of International Relations Division, Customs
Department, Ministry of Finance Tel. No.: (856 21) 223 518, Fax No.: (856 21) 223 521
Myanmar
Mr. Khin Muang Kyi Director, Customs Department Ministry of Finance and Revenue Fax:
095-01-281847/ 296 744 Tel: 095-01-297-516
Thailand
Ms. Sophee Siri Director of Policy and Planning Bureau, The Royal Thai Customs Tel No.:
(66 2) 249 7434, Fax No.: (66 2) 249 7434, Email: sopee_siri@yahoo.com
Copy all communications to:
Mrs. Boontipa Simasakul Director-General Department of Business Economics Ministry of
Commerce Thanon Ratchadamnorn Klang Bangkok 10200, Thailand Fax: 662-629
1811
Viet Nam
Mr. Nguyen Duy Thien Director General Department of Customs of Viet Nam Tel: (84-4) 872
5256 Fax: (84-4) 873 1503 E.mail: vuqheqt-tchq@hn.vnn.vn
Mrs. Le Thu Expert, Control and Supervision Department Department of Customs of Viet
Nam Tel No.: (844 8720121, Fax No.: (844) 872 5909, Email: lethu62@hotmail.com
Asian Development Bank
Mr. Toru Tatara Head, GMS Unit, Programs Department (West) Division 3 Tel. No.: (63 2)
632 6217, Fax No.: (63 2) 636 2231, Email: ttatara@adb.org