The National Customs of Bolivia (AN) and the National Customs Authority of Panama signed an Inter-Institutional Agreement to strengthen customs cooperation in terms of technical assistance and exchange of information.

The above was specified with the rubrics of the executive president of the AN, Karina Liliana Serrudo Miranda, and the general director of the Panamanian entity, Tayra Ivonne Barsallo. The event took place during the First Summit of Directors General of Customs of the Americas on Illicit Trade.

The signed pact was called “Inter-institutional Agreement between the National Customs Authority of the Republic of Panama and the National Customs of the Plurinational State of Bolivia on Cooperation, Mutual Administrative Assistance and Exchange of Information in Customs Matters.”

The main objective of the agreement is to provide cooperation and mutual assistance between both customs entities. Thus, the entities undertake to exchange information and consultations necessary to ensure the correct application of the respective customs legislation.

In addition, they will focus on facilitating legitimate trade, preventing and repressing customs infractions and illicit trades, as well as reducing the risks in the logistics chain of international trade.

“The signing of this Agreement represents a crucial step towards greater efficiency and collaboration in the customs field between Bolivia and Panama. It establishes a solid foundation to strengthen security in commercial operations and promote fair and transparent business practices,” the NA said.

The First Summit of Directors General of Customs of the Americas on Illicit Trade, which is held from March 25 to 28, 2024, was organized by the National Customs Authority of Panama (ANA) and the Transnational Alliance to Combat Illicit Trade (Tracit).

The event brings together prominent leaders and experts in customs matters with the aim of strengthening regional and global cooperation in the fight against illicit trade.