INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES OF THE UYYSD

The International Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Association was founded in 2019 by five founding members. Its primary objective is to bring together companies operating in Turkey’s foreign trade sector that hold an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Certificate, to promote exchange of knowledge, cooperation, and coordination among them, and to develop proposals to enhance the rights and practices under the AEO program  ultimately contributing to the advancement of international trade.

With this mission, the newly elected Board of Directors, following the Third Ordinary General Assembly, has decided to accelerate international engagement.

During this period, our Association has undertaken the following international activities:

• First international event: On May 8–10, 2024, the Association participated by invitation in the 6th WCO Global AEO Conference held in Shenzhen, People's Republic of China. This three-day global event brought together key stakeholders from around the world to explore the transformative potential of AEO programs. The conference hosted compelling sessions on empowering women in global trade, leveraging technology for risk management and trade facilitation, among many other important topics. In addition to these sessions, the parallel exhibition provided broad opportunities for networking and in-depth insights into AEO programs globally. It also offered a unique platform for discussing the future of AEO programs and their impact on international trade.
• Second international event: The second visit was made to the International Association of AEOs located in Spain. Since the inception of the AEO system, the need for trusted companies within various customs administrations has become increasingly important in the face of globalized and competitive trade. Meetings were held with association executives to discuss mutual recognition agreements, shared ideas, and potential joint projects.
• Third international event: On November 6–7, the Association participated in the 30th WCO SAFE Working Group Meeting at the World Customs Organization (WCO) Headquarters in Brussels. The meeting addressed growing global security concerns and emerging threats, the increasing digitalization of supply chains, and renewed focus on trade facilitation. Key topics included enhancing the security and facilitation of global trade and innovative approaches to the harmonized implementation of the SAFE Framework of Standards and the AEO program.
  I am pleased to share that a formal application for full membership to the Private Sector Consultative Group (PSCG) was submitted in March. Upon acceptance, our Association powered by the strength of its members will

continue to be a pioneer of innovation, representing AEO interests not only in Turkey but also on the global stage.

As a result of all these initiatives and visits, an Extraordinary General Assembly was convened on November 18, 2024, during which members approved the status of “International Association” and a corresponding amendment to the bylaws, allowing membership from foreign entities.
Accordingly, the Association’s new official name became:

International Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Association.

With this change, AEO-certified companies abroad are now eligible to become members of our Association.

Since the Authorized Economic Operator Certificate holds international recognition, our determined efforts to ensure that certificates issued in Turkey are also valid and accepted in other countries will persist with vigor.

Below are our planned international activities and goals for 2025:

• A visit to the UK’s HM Revenue & Customs and meetings with AEO certified companies in the UK as part of the Turkey–United Kingdom Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA),
• Full membership acceptance into the WCO Private Sector Consultative Group (PSCG),
• Organization of an International AEO Webinar in collaboration with AEO Associations worldwide.

Our Association continues to take confident steps toward becoming a globally recognized civil society organization that conducts international research, compares simplification practices, questions norms, and acts in accordance with the needs and demands of its members.

In today’s rapidly globalizing and increasingly competitive international trade environment, the need for trusted companies across different customs administrations is no longer up for debate. The vision of establishing a globally valid AEO system  one that can effectively respond to the real-time needs of global supply chains is no longer just a dream.

Mehmet Altay YEGİN
President
International Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Association