Our Destination: Korea AEO Association (KAA)
As clearly stated in the vision of the International Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Association, the primary objectives include developing the rights and practices available under the Authorized Economic Operator system; preventing cost and time losses arising from foreign trade transactions; reducing formalities; and working to ensure that relevant legislation is drafted in a manner that is easy to understand and implement.
In line with the responsibilities our vision entails, our primary duties are as follows:
- To collect all relevant data and statistical information by conducting research on the implementation of the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) System in various countries,
- Monitor meetings, implementations, and legislation related to the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) System at the World Customs Organization and the European Union,
- Establish relationships with public and private sector organizations both domestically and internationally on matters related to the Association’s scope of activities and contribute to their initiatives.
As the Board of Directors, we are continuing our international research efforts without pause, in line with the vision outlined in our bylaws. We have conducted visits to China, Hong Kong, Brussels, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Albania, in that order. We have taken initiatives to promote the development of the AEO system and the widespread adoption of the MRA through its global applications.
We are now heading to South Korea. We will be visiting the Korea AEO Association (KAA) in Seoul, the capital of South Korea.
Founded in August 2010, the Korea AEO Association (KAA) is the only organization in South Korea dedicated to the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program. The association’s primary objective is to establish and promote the AEO program, thereby contributing to trade facilitation and enhancing supply chain security. The AEO program, a global initiative mandated by the World Trade Organization’s “Agreement on Trade Facilitation” and implemented in all countries, provides benefits to certified companies. Its purpose is to offer companies the ability to expedite customs clearance not only in their own countries but also in importing countries through mutual recognition.
In particular, South Korea holds a leading position in the AEO program as the country with the most AEO Mutual Recognition Agreements worldwide. Recently, the Korea Customs Service has been actively working to expand these mutual recognition agreements in order to address the non-tariff barriers faced by South Korean companies.
At the same time, efforts are underway to expand the scope of the system to recognize the excellence of AEO companies and provide them with preferential treatment. The aim is to ensure that AEO companies—who are the customs administration’s best partners—can fully benefit from AEO certification amid increasingly challenging trade conditions caused by the global economic downturn and the rise of protectionism. It is clear that the need for AEO will continue to grow in the future, and the competitive strength of AEO companies—including our association’s members—will further increase.
The KAA is making significant efforts to enhance the global recognition of the “K-AEO” initiative within the worldwide customs administration community. It is also noted that the organization was established to serve as a bridge between the public and private sectors, protecting the rights and interests of its members, and to bring together the expertise and efforts of all executives and staff.
Acting with a sense of responsibility for this esteemed mission, Mr. Woosung Kee, President of the Korea AEO Association (KAA), and his delegation will meet with our delegation from the International Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Association (UYYSD) in Korea.
During our discussions, we will also consult on the “Turkey-South Korea Mutual Recognition Agreement on Authorized Economic Operators” (MRA) and the “Free Trade Agreement” (FTA), both of which were signed in 2014. Another notable feature of the Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) we signed is that it marks South Korea’s first such agreement with a European country. Economic cooperation between South Korea and Turkey has continued to grow since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1957.
In short, we have unwavering confidence that this long-standing partnership will be further strengthened through the visits we will undertake and that it will contribute to the development of the AEO.
Mehmet Altay YEGİN
International Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Association
Chairman of the Board
