SEPANG: Malaysia and USA have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation and mutual assistance on customs-related matter, here the other day.
The collaboration showed the commitment of both countries in fostering cooperation and marked a new beginning of closer, better and coordinated working relationship, Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Ahmad Maslan said on MoU signed ceremony here the other day.
Speaking before representing Malaysia to sign the MoU here, Ahmad said the agreement would also promote the sharing of information on training needs and facilities.
“This will provide an avenue for future and further engagement in strengthening the cooperation related to trade facilitation, enforcement and capacity-building initiatives such as the sharing of expertise and resources in research and development,” he added.
The US was represented by its Assistant Secretary of US Department of Homeland Security, Alan Bersin.
Ahmad said even without a formal arrangement, there had been bilateral relationship and cooperation between the Royal Malaysian Customs Department and US Customs and Border Protection, and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
“With the existence of a formal arrangement through the MoU, the scope and bilateral cooperation will be further enhanced and strengthened to safeguard the interest of both countries,” he said.
