CLARK FREEPORT—Clark Freeport was tapped as a benchmark for integrated customs operations and economic zone management as it hosted a field visit under the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Subgroup on Customs.
Organized by the Bureau of Cistoms-Port of Clark, the activity brought together high-ranking customs officials from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka to study operational practices within an active aviation area and special economic zone.
Clark Development Corp. supported the visit and presented how Clark’s integrated systems—spanning airport operations, logistics, and governance—enable efficient trade while ensuring regulatory compliance.
Representing CDC president and CEO Atty. Agnes VST Devanadera, VP for Security Services Group PMGen. Lina Sarmiento (Ret.) shared the state-owned firm’s role in advancing trade facilitation and economic development within Clark. She also emphasized CDC’s partnership with BOC Clark to strengthen digital systems, improve cargo mobility, and enhance border protection.
“Clark’s strategic advantages include direct access to the Clark International Airport, integrated road networks, and a master-planned environment designed for investment and innovation. At the heart of this progress in the Clark Freeport Zone is a strong partnership between the Bureau of Customs and Clark Development Corp.,” she said.
“We recognize that modern, responsive, and technology-driven customs operations are essential to economic growth. In fact, we continue to pursue streamlined and digitalized processes, with efficient cargo movement and clearance, of course, together with the Bureau of Customs,” she added.
The field visit forms part of SASEC’s broader initiative to advance customs reforms, digitalization, and inter-agency cooperation across member countries, with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) serving as secretariat and knowledge partner.
“This site visit to the Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone offers a valuable opportunity for all of us to observe and extend practical experience on customs operations within a Special Economic Zone environment,” said Shyam Bhandari, Nepal Department of Customs director general and SASEC Customs Subgroup chairperson.
During the program, delegates discussed key areas of interest, including ICT-enabled customs processes, inspection and audit systems, and enforcement of trade controls within the Freeport setting. These were demonstrated through Clark’s operational linkages between the airport, freeport, and economic zone systems.
Delegates toured a cargo shipment facility within the freeport, where they observed express cargo processing and compliance procedures, offering insights into how trade facilitation and enforcement are implemented in an integrated system. CDC-PR
