Canada Announces Plan to launch pilot project for the promotion and facilitation of Asia-Pacific economic cooperation: Great news for Importers!

The goal of the Pilot program, and the project in general, is to facilitate business travel to the Asia Pacific region by removing the need for individual visas or entry permits and allowing a free flow through the participating countries. Travelers to the region using their APEC card will also have designated “Fast Track” immigration lanes for quick entry and exit at participating Airports. Being able to easily make face-to-face connections in highly regulated parts of the world will foster continued growth between Canada and APEC countries. As Canadian Customs Brokers, we can tell you that creating and fostering relationships with overseas suppliers and vendors is paramount to the success of an importer.

Countries participating in the program are as follows: Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Chile, China, Hong Kong (China), Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, and Viet Nam.

Canada & The United States are still in the Pilot program phase.

Canadian customs brokers: How does this effect Importers and Exports? 

Data indicates that since the creation of the APEC business travel Card program, applications for the program have been growing by about 100% a year. With approximately 100,000 currently active users, The program has been able to reduce transnational costs for cardholders by about 38%. This allows Business men and women, especially importers and exporters, to explore new opportunities and meet suppliers face to face. With international travel becoming more and more affordable, Canadian Importers may want to take advantage of being able to easily visit suppliers to strengthen relationships or find new ones. Many Canadian Importers receive goods directly from china and have never had more contact then an email with their trusted partners overseas. 

As Canadian Customs Brokers, we highly recommend fostering relationships with suppliers overseas as they may hold the key to your economic success

Benefits of the APEC Travel Card

• 3 year term with no need to apply for Visas or entry permits
• quick border processing for member countries
• multiple short term entry for a minimum stay of 59 days (can be up to 90 days)

For more information on the program and how to apply, please visit their website here, or contact any Canadian Customs Brokers. 

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