Output
1) Research Report
1. Purpose: The purpose of this research report is to identify the key challenges and customs-related issues faced by APEC member economies, especially developing economies, during the introduction and promotion of e-commerce. The report aims to propose strategic solutions to address these challenges, thereby contributing to the enhancement of customs capabilities to facilitate cross-border e-commerce logistics. Additionally, the report seeks to strengthen cooperation among APEC member economies to promote digital trade and improve supply chain performance. The report will be produced in an electronic format, and circulated to workshop participants before the workshop.
2. Authors: The research report will be written by a research contractor in collaboration with the Project Overseer’s (PO) team, which includes experts in this field.
3. Methodology: The report will be developed based on data collected through an online survey. The surveys will be distributed to all APEC member economies and will focus on the current status of e-commerce, customs procedures, issues, and possible solutions in each economy. Moreover, the report will highlight best practices in e-commerce from various member economies. This approach will facilitate the sharing of experiences among members and help them adopt appropriate technologies and systems suited to their respective needs.
4. Expected Outcomes: This report will outline concrete implementation plans to strengthen the customs capacities of APEC member economies, particularly developing economies, to promote cross-border e-commerce.
Through this, member economies will be able to improve their customs procedures related to e-commerce and establish faster and more efficient logistics processes. Additionally, the report will serve as a key resource for future projects and policy development aimed at enhancing cooperation among APEC member economies and promoting digital trade.
5. Length : The minimum length of the report will be 15 pages, excluding annexes
6. Contents
1) Overview of key E-commerce challenges in APEC economies, 2) Summary of main customs and logistical obstacles impacting cross-border e- commerce, based on the survey result, 3) Initial analysis of e-commerce policies and strategies by APEC economies, 4) Case studies of customs and logistical challenges faced by APEC economies in cross-border e-commerce.
5) Proposed next step and focus areas: Outline of key actions for future phases, including workshop.
2) Workshop (1-Day, APEC-Funded)
1. Purpose: The objective of this workshop is to share Korea’s advanced knowledge and expertise in customs administration, specifically addressing the identified needs of APEC member economies for automation systems, pre-clearance systems, and cross-border customs cooperation. The workshop aims to enhance the customs capabilities of APEC member economies, particularly developing economies, facilitate cross-border e- commerce logistics, and improve overall customs efficiency. The aim of the workshop is to provide insight on the way forward. In this regard, the project will build upon previous works on this subject matter to avoid duplication or overlap. One of the works reflected in the study was the project conducted by the US, which was discussed during the workshop in Lima in August ("SCCP 04 2022S Promoting MSMEs Engagement in E- Commerce on Regulatory Procedures for Small, Low-Value Shipments").
2. Target Participants: The workshop is primarily designed for customs officials, policymakers, and trade experts from APEC member economies, with a focus on developing economies. Additionally, representatives from the logistics and e-commerce industries, as well as academic experts, are encouraged to participate to exchange knowledge and experiences broadly.
3. Workshop Structure: a) Duration: 2 days (Day 1: Full-day Workshop (7-8 hours), Day 2: 'Exhibition on Innovative Technologies in Customs(self- funded), b) Format: The workshop will be held in person and consist of presentations based on the findings of the research report, case study discussions, and interactive sessions. Each session will focus on a specific aspect of advanced customs administration, providing participants opportunities to engage in discussions and share experiences. c) Location: Incheon, Korea (Workshop, Exhibition & Case presentation Venue : Incheon Songdo Convensia - same building, by walking distance) (d) The 'Exhibition on Innovative Technologies in Customs' takes place after workshop, showcasing 'technologies tailored to the on-site customs administration'.
The 'Exhibition on Innovative Technologies in Customs' takes place after workshop, showcasing 'technologies tailored to the on-site customs administration'. Moreover, those technologies and products are not for any commercial purpose or promotions of them.
At the exhibition, participants of the workshops will be invited on a visit to Exhibition to experience advanced equipment firsthand. The project aims to foster capacity building and advancement of Member economies with Q&A sessions during the visit and time set aside for presentations and discussions afterwards.
The exhibition will showcase 7 areas in innovative technologies: ①passenger verification (facial recognition), ②Terahertz body scanner, ③X-ray training program, AI-based tracking system for high-risk passengers, ④Passenger selectivity based on biometrics, ⑤Express cargo processing, ⑥Big Data, and
⑦Risk Management. Areas and technology that are highly applicable to on- field customs work as well as easy to demonstrate for participants, will be selected.
4. Workshop Agenda:
Day 1 Full-day workshop
09:30 - 10:05 Opening remarks and Introduction
i) 10:05 – 10:40 Project Overview and State of E-commerce in APEC
ii) 11:00 – 12:00 Smart Customs Administration for E-commerce Facilitation
iii) 12:00 – 13:30 Lunch Break
iv) 13:30 – 14:45 New Customs Technologies and Digitalization for Supply Chain Security
v) 15:05 – 16:20 Enhancing Cooperation in New Customs Technologies to Move Forward
vi) 16:20 – 16:40 Wrap up of meeting and post evaluation Tentative Program (Exhibition)
Day 2 (Exhibition - self-funded)
09:00-09:50 : Welcome and opening of meeting 09:50-11:10
Visit to Exhibition hall
- Presentation of innovation technologies for the subject program adopted by Korea Customs Service(KCS)
- Sharing KCS' experiences and best practices in utilization of Customs technologies
- showcase1 : Passenger verification(facial recognition)
- showcase2 : TeraHertz body scanner
- showcase3 : X-ray training program
- showcase4 : AI-based tracking system for high risk passengers
- showcase5 : Express cargo processing technologies
- showcase6 : Customs Big data analytics
- showcase7 : Risk management 11:30-12:30
Group discussion and sharing outcome of the visit 14:00-16:30
Case presentations by APEC member economies 16:30-17:00
Wrap up and Participants' comment & Announcement
This workshop will serve as a platform for developing practical strategies to address customs-related challenges, promote cooperation among APEC member economies, and ultimately improve the efficiency and transparency of cross-border e-commerce logistics.
5. Event Evaluations
a) A ex-ante evaluation will be conducted before the workshop begins to gather information regarding participant expectations and knowledge; and
b) A ex-post evaluation will be conducted after the workshop is completed to assess participant satisfaction and key takeaways.
3) Project Summary Report
1. Purpose: The purpose of this project summary report is to consolidate the key points discussed and presented during the workshop, sharing best practices of new technologies and innovative solutions in e-commerce among APEC member economies. This will serve as a valuable reference for each economy to enhance its e-commerce activation and customs efficiency.
Particularly, the report aims to provide actionable strategies for strengthening the e-commerce and customs capabilities of developing economies.
2. Table of Contents: 1) Introduction (Project Overview, Background, and Purpose of the Report), 2) New Technologies and Innovative Solutions for E- Commerce (Summary of Workshop Presentations, Best Practices from Different Economies), 3) Economy-Specific Strategies for E-Commerce Activation (E-Commerce Policies and Strategies by Member Economies, Tailored Approaches for Developing Economies), 4) Improving Customs Procedures and Logistics Efficiency (Analysis of Best Practices, Automation of Customs Procedures and International Cooperation), 5) Future Cooperation and Action Plans within APEC (Collaboration Strategies among APEC Member Economies, Follow-Up Actions and Policy Recommendations for Sustainable E-Commerce), 6) Conclusion (Project Outcomes and Expected Benefits, Capacity Building and Long-Term Cooperation among Member Economies).
3. Publication: The project summary report will be an APEC publication.
Length: The minimum length of the report will be 15 pages, excluding annexes
Outcomes
1) Enhancing Trade Facilitation Capacity of APEC Economies: This will bring about improvements in the trade facilitation capabilities of participating economies by helping them manage and implement customs-related elements more efficiently.
2) Improved Supply Chain Predictability and Connectivity: Through the harmonization and digitalization of customs procedures, the project will enhance the predictability of supply chains within the APEC region, leading to safer and more efficient supply chain operations.
3) Strengthened Supply Chain Security through Technological Innovation: Participants will understand and apply new technologies and innovative solutions to improve border management and supply chain security, resulting in enhanced security measures.
4) Creating an Inclusive Trade Environment: The project is expected to foster a more inclusive trade environment, leading to policy changes that make it easier for small businesses to access trade opportunities.
5) Capacity Building and Sharing of Best Practices: The project will enable economies to share best practices related to trade facilitation and supply chain security, while also benefiting from tailored capacity-building programs that improve domestic policies. These outcomes will contribute directly to participants improving their customs and trade procedures, thereby enhancing the resilience and security of global supply chains.
Beneficiaries
The direct beneficiaries of the project will be the government officials from the customs administrations in APEC economies, especially developing economies, responsible for managing the flow of cross-border e-commerce and addressing the customs matters. They will have the opportunity to discuss best practices and gain diverse perspectives and knowledge on how to innovate customs systems in response to the expansion of cross-border e-commerce.
Improvement of the customs environment in APEC economies will also facilitate the overall flow of e-commerce trade, bringing a range of secondary benefits to e-commerce platforms, sellers, and consumers alike, including more stable logistics, cost reduction, and faster delivery.
