APEC Customs-Business Dialogue opens in Dalian to address digital trade

The APEC Customs-Business Dialogue (ACBD) 2026 officially opened in Dalian, China, as part of the second meeting of the APEC Customs Sub-Committee (SCCP2). The event brought together representatives from customs authorities, international organizations including the WCO, APEC, and ASEAN, as well as multinational corporations.

Under the theme “Connecting Customs - Business, Connecting the Future of Asia-Pacific,” the dialogue addressed the challenges posed by the rapid growth of the digital economy, artificial intelligence, and cross-border e-commerce. Participants discussed the need for customs agencies to transition from simple procedural digitization to data-driven management to facilitate legitimate trade, ensure compliance, and enhance supply chain resilience.

Vietnam was represented by Au Anh Tuan, Deputy Director of the Customs Department, and Nguyen Hoang Hiep, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development. Discussions emphasized using technology to simplify procedures, increase transparency, and reduce compliance costs for businesses in a changing global trade environment.