On November 18, 2025 – The Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (BCBP), in partnership with the Oceania Customs Organization (OCO), is honored to host a Study Visit for the Guam Delegation from November 18–21, 2025. The visit aims to strengthen regional cooperation and support the modernization of border management through digital transformation, with a focus on Palau’s successful implementation of the ASYCUDA System.
This peer-to-peer learning initiative supports one of OCO’s Small Member Administrations by providing Guam Customs and its stakeholders the opportunity to observe and experience Palau’s digital customs environment firsthand. The program highlights how the adoption of a Customs ICT system—such as ASYCUDA—can significantly enhance efficiency, transparency, and security at national borders.
A total of 12 participants are joining the program, including two representatives from the OCO Secretariat and a 10-member delegation from Guam, consisting of a Senator, five Guam Customs Officers, a Tax Administrator, a Senior Planner from the Bureau of Statistics and Plans, a Senior Policy Advisor from the Guam Legislature, and a Systems Programmer.
The Study Visit is designed to provide a comprehensive and practical understanding of how digital customs systems can strengthen border operations. The primary objectives include:
- Understanding how automated cargo clearance procedures can support Guam Customs in enhancing safety, security, and quality of life for the people of Guam.
- Learning the strategic frameworks, policies, and governance models that contribute to successful digital transformation in Customs administrations.
- Gaining a holistic view of innovations, benefits, and impacts associated with digitized Customs processes.
- Observing practical demonstrations of an operational Customs ICT system, including live processes within the ASYCUDA platform.
- Strengthening regional cooperation and fostering continued knowledge exchange between OCO member administrations, especially between Guam and Palau.
This visit marks the third Study Visit hosted by Palau Customs, following previous engagements with the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI). These continued collaborations reflect Palau’s commitment to supporting fellow Small Island States in building modern, secure, and resilient border environments.
Through ASYCUDA, Palau has successfully transitioned from manual, paper-based operations to a fully digital platform where customs declarations, cargo manifests, payments, and clearances are processed online. The system has improved trade facilitation, strengthened compliance, enhanced transparency, and contributed to more efficient border operations.
Palau Customs continues to value its shared partnership with OCO and its member administrations. These engagements contribute to the collective goal of safeguarding borders, enhancing trade facilitation, and promoting modernization across the Pacific region. As Small Island States face similar challenges in border management, cooperation and shared learning remain vital. Palau looks forward to ongoing discussions, exchange of best practices, and continued collaboration to advance digital transformation and border security across the region.