USTDA Supports Customs Modernization in the Indo-Pacific

Arlington, VA - The U.S. Trade and Development Agency, in partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), is hosting a reverse trade mission from India, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam that will focus on modernizing customs systems and procedures to improve customs efficiency, enhance risk management, and facilitate increased international trade. The visit, scheduled for September 9-20, supports the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF).

While in the United States, the 15-member delegation will travel to Washington, DC, Baltimore, San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco to meet U.S. companies and see demonstrations of cutting-edge U.S. technologies. Delegates will also meet with U.S. government counterparts, tour CBP facilities, and conduct site visits in each location to cargo and customs facilities including ports, airports and border crossings. The visit will familiarize delegates with state-of-the-art technologies, services, policies, and best practices to digitalize and secure customs processes and procedures.

On September 10, USTDA will host a public business briefing in Washington, DC, where U.S. companies can learn about upcoming commercial opportunities and meet one-on-one with the delegates to present innovative technologies and services for modernizing customs systems. For more information, please visit https://www.ustda.gov/events.

The U.S. private sector is a leader in customs and cargo technology, including screening and trade enforcement technologies and digital solutions like AI, blockchain and data analytics. Customs procedures play a critical role in enabling trade, and members of IPEF have recognized the importance of enhanced trade facilitation measures and customs digitalization to promoting economic connectivity and integration in the Indo-Pacific region.

In addition to IPEF, the reverse trade mission supports the U.S. government's Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment and the Indo-Pacific Strategy.

###

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency helps companies create U.S. jobs through the export of U.S. goods and services for priority infrastructure projects in emerging economies. USTDA links U.S. businesses to export opportunities by funding project preparation and partnership building activities that develop sustainable infrastructure and foster economic growth in partner countries.

MEDIA INQUIRIES: Paul Marin | [email protected]