On 24–26 March 2026, the SASEC Customs Subgroup held its intersessional meeting in Manila, Philippines, chaired by Mr. Shyam Bhandari, Director General of Nepal’s Department of Customs. Customs Officials from all SASEC member countries discussed initiatives to improve trade facilitation, strengthen customs cooperation, and enhance coordinated border management. The meeting also featured an experience sharing session with the Philippine Bureau of Customs at the Port of Clark on enforcing trade controls in freeport and special economic zones.