On 27 May 2025, the Framework of Cooperation (FoC) in the areas of Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) was signed on behalf of the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) by the Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, the Malaysian Minister of Economy Rafizi Ramli, and the Thai Deputy Minister of Finance Julapan Amornvivat in Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC), Malaysia. The agreement is expected to make border procedures in the region more efficient and integrated, and strengthen the IMT-GT's position in global trade.
The cooperation framework encompasses five key aspects to be implemented in a phased manner. Firstly, harmonisation of cross-border CIQ documents will simplify administrative processes. Secondly, the goods release system will be improved to accelerate trade flows. Thirdly, the optimisation of supply chain management through enhanced logistics process efficiency. Fourthly, enhancing service quality at border points. The fifth and final measure to be implemented is to align quarantine standards consistently with the provisions of the WTO/SPS Agreement. The focus of this cooperation is on several entry/exit points on Sumatra Island, which is part of the IMT-GT cooperation area. The aim is to accelerate cross-border trade and strengthen sub-regional economic connectivity, in line with the IMT-GT 2036 vision. CIQ's initiative is in line with ASEAN's efforts to achieve stronger regional connectivity through the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan. Effective implementation of this cooperation is expected to provide direct benefits for the three member countries, thereby contributing to accelerating economic integration across the Southeast Asian region as a whole.
