•   Ensure the permanent presence of the WCO in each region of the world;
  
•   Ensure that the WCO is kept informed of regional interests;
  
•   Promote greater involvement of members in WCO activities;
  
•   Encourage non-Members to join the WCO;
  
•   Establish close co-operation with regional organizations working in the Customs field;
  
•   Promote cooperation between Members in each region.

The Far East, South and South East Asia, Australasia and the Pacific Islands Region of the World Customs Organization is composed of the following members:

Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Fiji, Hong Kong China, India, Indonesia, Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan, Republic of Korea, Lao PDR, Macao China, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor Leste and Vietnam.

Regional Representation

The Region is represented by a Regional Vice Chairman. The role of the Regional Vice Chairman is to:

•   Identify regional requirements in respect of WCO activities;
  
•   Identify potential facilities and support for such facilities;
  
•   Assist in making arrangements for seminars, training sessions etc.;
  
•   Obtaining the views of Members in the region for presentation at Policy Commission meetings;
  
•   As appropriate, represent the WCO at meetings of international bodies in the region;
  
•   Arrange periodic regional meetings to foster WCO activities and hold discussions on subjects of common interest to Members in the region.
  

China Customs has hosted the Regional Vice Chairman during 2004 to 2006.

The current regional representatives at Policy Commission meetings are: People's Republic of China (Regional Vice Chairman), Australia, India, Islamic Republic of Iran and Japan.

The Region is represented at WCO Finance Committee meetings by three elected regional members. The current regional members of the Finance Committee are Japan, Korea and New Zealand.

The delegates of all regional members are able to attend Customs Cooperation Council Sessions.

Regional Meetings

•   Meeting of Regional Contact Points

The nominated contacts for each administration in the region meet at least once a year (usually in October) to discuss and exchange opinions on matters of common interest.

•   Regional Conference of Heads of Administrations

The Regional Conference is hosted by the Regional Vice Chairman (usually biennially). It is attended by the Directors-General of regional customs administrations and sets the region's direction for the following two years.

•   Other Regional Meetings
  
  

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