| BELGIAN CUSTOMS CONTACT DAY
Strengthening trade relations with Indonesia & Vietnam from a customs perspective 29 October | Brussels |
|
| We are please to invite you to the Customs Contact Day on 29 October in Brussels organised by the Benelux–Indonesia Association (BIA), the Belgian Vietnamese Alliance (BVA) and Beci, in close cooperation with the Belgian Customs authorities. | |
Why attend?
- Get direct insights from the Belgian customs attaché based in Jakarta, accredited for Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore.
- Ask practical questions about import, export, transit, samples, blocked shipments or unclear procedures.
- Explore how smoother customs procedures and cooperation can support your business in Southeast Asia.
- Book a one-to-one meeting in advance to discuss your specific plans or challenges.
What the customs attaché can help with:
The Belgian customs attachés work with local customs authorities, relevant organisations and regional representatives such as FIT, AWEX and hub.brussels. They provide information and advice to help facilitate the logistics chain and can liaise with local administrations when needed.
Market focus
| Indonesia | Vietnam |
| Belgium and Indonesia have a strong and expanding trade relationship, with clear opportunities for Belgian exporters and companies looking for reliable long-term partnerships in Southeast Asia. The event will also address practical customs cooperation and upcoming regulatory questions, including EUDR and CEPA if signed. | Vietnam is a dynamic manufacturing, sourcing and investment hub in Southeast Asia. The EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement offers strong opportunities, but companies need a good understanding of customs procedures, rules of origin and compliance requirements to benefit fully. |
About Indonesia
Belgium and Indonesia maintain a strong and expanding trade relationship, supported by robust logistics networks and growing private sector cooperation. The bilateral trade remains structurally imbalanced, creating clear opportunities for Belgian exporters and opportunities for Belgian and Benelux companies seeking reliable long-term partnerships in Indonesia/SE Asia.
This meeting will bring together customs authorities and trade stakeholders to discuss how improved procedures, regulatory alignment, and practical cooperation can help unlock these opportunities and support a more balanced, sustainable trade flow between our regions. Same time questions of upcoming regulations and changes in formalities like EUDR – CEPA (if signed) can be put forward and give guidance for the near future.
About Vietnam
Vietnam has emerged as one of Asia’s most attractive business destinations, combining sustained economic growth, political stability, a young and skilled workforce, and a rapidly expanding consumer market. Strategically located at the heart of Southeast Asia, the country has become a key manufacturing, sourcing, and investment hub for companies looking to diversify their supply chains and strengthen their presence in the Indo-Pacific region.
For European businesses, the EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) offers a unique competitive advantage. As one of the most ambitious trade agreements ever concluded in 2020 by the European Union with a developing economy, the EVFTA is progressively eliminating up to 99% of customs duties on bilateral trade. The agreement also improves market access, enhances transparency, strengthens the protection of intellectual property rights, and creates new opportunities in public procurement, services, and investment.
Beyond tariff savings, Vietnam’s commitment to international standards and continuous regulatory reforms is making cross-border trade more efficient and predictable. From high-tech manufacturing and renewable energy to agri-food, healthcare, logistics, and consumer goods, a wide range of sectors stand to benefit from the country’s dynamic business environment.
However, taking full advantage of the EVFTA requires a solid understanding of customs procedures, rules of origin, compliance requirements, and the evolving regulatory framework. Companies that master these elements can significantly reduce costs, improve market access, and gain a lasting competitive edge.
Programme
| Time | Session |
| 09:00–10:00 | Registration and networking coffee |
| 10:00–10:15 | Welcome address by BIA, BVA and Beci |
| 10:15–10:45 | Presentation by the Belgian customs attaché based in Jakarta, Carine Willems |
| 10:45–11:15 | Presentation by the Vietnam Customs administration (TBC) |
| 11:15–11:30 | Q&A |
| 11:30–12:30 | One-to-one meetings with the Belgian customs attaché and with the Vietamese Customs |
Practical information
| Date 29 October |
Location WTC III Simon Bolivarlaan 30 1000 Brussels |
Participation fee Members: free Non-members: €50 |
|
| Important: Participants who wish to have a one-to-one meeting must register in advance through the specific registration form that will follow. | |||