VIENTIANE, May 21 (Xinhua) -- ASEAN countries have discussed ways to advance the development of the ASEAN Single Window (ASW) information exchange project to modernize cross-border trade procedures.

A man walks past an art installation marking the 48th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Cebu province of the Philippines, May 8, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua)

The Customs Department under the Lao Ministry of Finance is hosting the 75th meeting of the working group on Technical Matters for the ASEAN Single Window from Tuesday to Friday, aiming to strengthen regional trade facilitation and modernize customs procedures, according to the ministry report released on Thursday.

The meeting brought together representatives from ASEAN member states to discuss the development and integration of the ASW system, which supports faster and more efficient cross-border trade through electronic information exchange.

Participants highlighted the importance of the ASW system in promoting regional economic integration, improving customs efficiency, reducing documentation barriers, and simplifying cross-border trade procedures across ASEAN countries.