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APEC to enhance co-op in trade, customs administration

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-08-13 14:07

LIMA -- The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) began its annual Customs-Business Dialogue (ACBD) at Callao's Real Felipe Fortress Tuesday.

The talks are aimed at facilitating global trade and protecting intellectual rights, and seeking better handling of customs processes in international trade.

Some 300 representatives from the customs administrations of the 21 APEC member economies, as well as businessmen and academicians, participated in the meeting.

ACBD calls on the private sector to collaborate with customs administrations to combat the production of fake merchandise.

"It is of great importance that a joint effort between the private sector and the customs sector counteract the production of fake material, which destroys intellectual property," said Rafael Reano, a Peruvian national taxation official.

Felix Moreno, mayor of the city of Callao, which has Peru's largest and most important port, said the meeting would allow APEC economies to exchange opinions and experiences to promote port development.

Real Felipe Fortress, built during Spanish colonial times, is a major tourist attraction in the province of Callao, 14 km west of the capital Lima.