ASEAN and Japan’s customs chiefs met to discuss making trade more efficient in Phnom Penh on Friday.

Building off plans for greater economic connectivity in the ASEAN region by 2015, participants agreed to work toward what was called an “Asia Cargo Highway”, or a plan to allow for the free flow of goods across Asia.

Pen Simon, Director General of Cambodia’s Customs and Excise Department, who chaired the meeting, said the group also discussed ways to simplify trade procedures, reduce fees and create the conditions necessary to help boost economic development in the region.

Atsuo Shibota, Japan’s Director General of the Customs and Tariff Bureau at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry led the Japanese delegation.