More than 1,200 attendees, including representatives from members of World Customs Organization (WCO), international organizations and AEO firms from more than 100 countries and regions, have convened at the 6th WCO Global AEO Conference, which kicked off May 8 at the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center in Futian District and is scheduled to run for three days.

More than 1,200 attendees, including representatives from members of World Customs Organization (WCO), international organizations and AEO firms from more than 100 countries and regions, have convened at the 6th WCO Global AEO Conference, which kicked off May 8 at the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center in Futian District and is scheduled to run for three days.

Initiated by the WCO in 2012, the highest-level global conference in this field of AEO is being held for the first time in China. AEO stands for authorized economic operators.

With the theme "Harnessing the Power of AEO Programs for Inclusive and Sustainable Global Trade," the event includes an opening ceremony, 8 plenary sessions and 6 streams.

Ian Saunders, secretary general-elect of the WCO, delivered a speech during the opening ceremony, pointing out that the conference’s goal is to create a seamless, resilient, and secure global trade environment.

“We must simplify and communicate the requirements of AEO status to demystify the process, making it more accessible for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises and ensuring a broader understanding of the compliance landscape,” Saunders said.

He also highlighted the status of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, which constitute an overwhelming majority of businesses worldwide.

Advocated by the Brussels-based World Customs Organization, the AEO program is designed to strengthen international supply chain security and facilitate the movement of legitimate goods.

Companies with AEO status will enjoy simplified customs procedures, such as reduced examination and prioritized clearance, which will significantly shorten customs clearance time and reduce storage and logistics costs.

Shenzhen Yateks Co., a company specialized in video endoscope delivery process and service whose clients are mainly from Europe and the U.S., has became an AEO-certified enterprise this January. Since obtaining the certification, the company has seen its business expand, according to general manager Zheng Xiang.

“Once the customs authorities in those countries we export to recognize our AEO certification, we would enjoy smooth clearance processes that are highly effective and dependable,” Zheng said.

Apart from the seamless clearance, gaining a AEO status has also brought other benefits, according to Shenzhen KTC Technology Co., a company specializing in making products like TVs and advertising displays.

“We've been able to apply for processing trade supervision for enterprise groups,” Wu Shujun, head of logistics department at Shenzhen KTC, said. “Since we have factories in Huizhou and Bantian of Shenzhen, the AEO status helps us manage the processing trade in a unified way.”

Wang Lingjun, vice minister of China’s General Administration of Customs, stated that China Customs called on all participants to actively respond to the WCO cooperation initiative, continue to consolidate and deepen cooperation, take advantages of the AEO system, and promote the sustainable development of global trade.

Shenzhen Mayor Qin Weizhong emphasized the importance of the conference being held in China for the first time, which has significant implications of turning China into a trader of quality.

China has signed AEO agreements with customs authorities in 52 countries and regions, including Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, South Korea, Japan, and Brazil, to enable easier customs clearance for companies by the end of 2023.

At the end of January, the number of AEO firms in Shenzhen jumped to 480 to include Shenzhen-based tech heavyweights such as Huawei Technologies Co. and ZTE Corp.