Vice Minister of GACC Dr. Wang Lingjun Meets with Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service Edward Kieswetter
On the morning of August 16, Vice Minister of the General Administration of Customs Dr. Wang Lingjun met with World Customs Organization (WCO) Council Chairperson and Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service Edward Kieswetter in Shanghai. Both sides agreed to enhance coordination and cooperation under frameworks such as the WCO and BRICS, participate in and support the "Smart Customs, Smart Borders and Smart Connectivity" cooperation project between China Customs and the WCO, deepen mutual recognition cooperation under the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program, strengthen exchanges between customs academies of the two countries, expand twinning cooperation between Xiamen Customs and Durban Customs, and expedite South Africa’s process of assigning a customs attaché to China. Following the meeting, the two parties signed the Joint Statement on the Implementation of the AEO Mutual Recognition Arrangement.
Dr. Wang Lingjun welcomed Edward Kieswetter and his delegation to China, emphasizing that China and South Africa, along with their respective customs administrations, maintain a brotherly friendship and cooperative relationship. China Customs stands ready to work with the South African Revenue Service to deepen BRICS customs cooperation, actively participate in international customs governance, and contribute positively to safeguarding supply chain security and stability while promoting bilateral trade and economic development.
Edward Kieswetter stated that China is a highly trusted trading partner of South Africa, and the customs administrations of both nations have long maintained friendly cooperation. He expressed commitment to further strengthening communication and coordination with China Customs, advancing bilateral and multilateral cooperation between Chinese and South African customs administrations through practical outcomes to ensure its sustainable and far-reaching development.