THE head of the European Union (EU) in the Philippines on Tuesday expressed support to the key reforms being implemented at the Bureau of Customs (BOC) that would ease the entry of goods and products from the international market, particularly those from  EU members.

Ambassador Guy Ledoux, head of the EU Delegation to the Philippines met with Customs Commissioner Rufino Rozzano Biazon on the agency’s reform agenda that includes automation of the customs procedures.

Ledoux emphasized that these reforms are essential as the BOC is “the entry point for international trade to the country.”

He said these are necessary steps to position the Philippines as “a hub for trade and investments.”

“I welcome the commissioner’s reform agenda.  While accepting that real challenges remain, the EU supports the bureau in its efforts to deal with these challenges to become a modern and effective institution fit for the 21st century,” said Ledoux during his meeting with Biazon.

The EU delegation is among the international donor communities seeking key reforms in the country’s customs procedures due to the increasing concern on corrupt practices of customs officials dealing with imported products.