The South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Subgroup on Customs held a field visit to the Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone in the Province of Pampanga, Philippines, to study integrated customs operations and economic zone management. Senior customs officials from SASEC countries comprising Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka conducted the visit, hosted by the Philippines Bureau of Customs, Port of Clark, to examine operational practices in an active aviation area and special economic zone.

The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) presented its airport operations, logistics, and governance, as a practical example of how integrated systems can enable efficient trade while maintaining regulatory compliance. The CDC highlighted its role in strengthening digital systems, improving cargo mobility, and enhancing border protection.

Ms. Lina Sarmiento, vice president for security services, CDC, representing Atty. Agnes Devanadera, president and chief executive officer, CDC, said that the partnership between CDC and the Bureau of Customs is central to advancing trade facilitation and economic development within the special economic zone. She noted that Clark’s direct airport access, integrated road networks, and master-planned environment provide strategic advantages that support investment and innovation.

Shyam Bhandari, Nepal Department of Customs director general and SASEC Customs Subgroup chairperson, said the visit was a valuable opportunity to observe and share practical experience on customs operations within a special economic zone context. The field visit is part of SASEC’s support for to customs reforms, digitalization, and inter-agency cooperation in South Asia. The Asian Development Bank serves as SASEC secretariat and knowledge partner.

Delegates focused on information and communication technology (ICT)-enabled customs processes, inspection and audit systems, and enforcement of trade controls in the freeport setting. Demonstrations showed Clark’s operational linkages between the airport, freeport, and economic zone systems, and included a tour of a cargo shipment facility where express cargo processing and compliance procedures were observed as examples of integrated trade facilitation and enforcement.

• Clark hosts South Asian customs officials, serves as benchmark site
• Welcoming global partners