SPEAKER PROFILES
FATIMA YASMIN
Vice-President (Sectors and Themes)
Asian Development Bank (ADB)
Fatima Yasmin currently serves as the Vice-President for Sectors and Themes at the Asian Development Bank (ADB), a position she assumed on 1 September 2023.
Ms. Yasmin oversees the Sectors Group and the Climate Change and Sustainable Development Department at the ADB Headquarters, ensuring delivery of integrated solutions to regional development challenges, particularly climate change.
Prior to joining the ADB, Ms. Yasmin had a distinguished career spanning 32 years as a civil servant with the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. She was the first female Senior Secretary of the Finance Division in Bangladesh's Ministry of Finance. She worked extensively with macroeconomic management as well as policy formulation and reforms for public expenditure, fiscal reform, debt management, trade facilitation and poverty reduction.
Ms. Yasmin holds a master’s in development economics from Australian National University and a Master of Business Administration from the Institute of Business Administration, Dhaka University, in Bangladesh. She also received a Fellowship in Public Policy and Human Rights under the Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program at Rutgers University in New Jersey, United States.
YUEBIN ZHANG
Officer-In-Charge and Principal Regional Cooperation Specialist
Regional Cooperation and Integration and Trade Division (CCRC)
Climate Change and Sustainable Development (CCSD), ADB
Yuebin Zhang has over 30 years of experience in development and poverty reduction and has been deeply involved in regional cooperation and integration (RCI) since 2003. He joined Asian Development Bank (ADB)’s East Asia Department in 2006 and is now Principal Regional Cooperation Specialist in the Climate Change and Sustainable Development Department, with responsibilities for monitoring implementation of ADB’s RCI operational plan, RCI funds management, operational support to regional departments, quality assurance of RCI projects, and coordination with development partners. Before joining ADB, Mr. Zhang had worked in the International Department of the PRC's Ministry of Finance. He also served as Advisor to People’s Republic of China (PRC)’s Executive Director at the World Bank Group; and worked in International Finance Corporation as a staff member.
JAYVEE SANTOS
Regional Coordinator
UNCTAD’s ASYCUDA Programme
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
Jayvee Santos, a citizen of the Philippines, is the current Regional Coordinator for of UNCTAD’s ASYCUDA Programme. He has worked with UNCTAD since 1997. Before joining UNCTAD, he worked as a software developer with Unisys developing applications for banks in Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines.
Prior to his current appointment, Jayvee started his career with UNCTAD as a local project staff and later as project manager in the Philippine Tax Computerization Project from 1997-2000. He served as an ASYCUDA IT Expert from 2001-2018 working with more than 20 countries in the Asia-Pacific region, including leading the implementation of ASYCUDA in Timor-Leste from 2002 to 2006 and in Fiji from 2014 to 2017 and providing support to 13 Pacific countries - Cook Islands, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu; two Pacific territories - Guam, American Samoa; and six Asian countries - Bangladesh, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
Jayvee was appointed as the ASYCUDA Programme's Regional Coordinator for the Pacific in 2018 based in Suva, Fiji, where he oversaw ASYCUDA projects and technical assistance in 15 countries and territories in the region. He was appointed as the ASYCUDA Regional Coordinator for Asia from January 2024, bringing with him more than 25 years of relevant experience in the automation of customs procedures, project management and implementation at the national level for Customs ICT system.
Jayvee studied public management in the University of the Philippines and has a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Ateneo de Manila University.
YANN DUVAL
Chief
Trade Policy and Facilitation Section,
Trade, Investment and Innovation Division
United Nations Economic and Social Commission for the Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP)
Yann Duval is currently Chief of Trade Policy and Facilitation Section at UN-ESCAP, the regional branch of the United Nations Secretariat for Asia and the Pacific. Over the past 20 years, Dr. Duval has conducted research and delivered technical assistance and advisory services on trade policy and facilitation throughout Asia and the Pacific, including on the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. He spearheaded the development of the Asia-Pacific Research and Training Network on Trade (ARTNeT), as well as interalia, the creation of the ESCAP-World Bank Trade Cost Database, the UN Global Survey on Trade Facilitation and Paperless Trade Implementation and the online Trade Intelligence and Negotiation Adviser (TINA). Dr. Duval was also instrumental in the development of the United Nations Network of Experts for Paperless Trade and Transport in Asia and the Pacific (UNNExT) and the negotiation of a new intergovernmental Framework Agreement on Facilitation of Cross-Border Paperless Trade in Asia and the Pacific, a UN treaty entered into force in February 2021. Prior to joining the UN, he held faculty positions at the Asian Institute of Technology and Washington State University, USA.
BRUNO CARRASCO
Director General
Climate Change and Sustainable Development (CCSD), ADB
Moderator
Mr. Carrasco has more than 32 years of professional experience, with over 27 years spent at ADB. He joined the bank in 1993 as a Young Professional and progressed through various roles to his current position.
In 2008, he became Director in South Asia Regional Cooperation and Coordination, and in 2010 Director of South Asia Public Management and Finance where he headed a division that focused operations on reforms to public finances and financial markets development.
In 2019, Mr. Carrasco was appointed Chief of the Governance Thematic Group, where he managed the restructuring of the group and ensured quality standards across all deliverables.
He was subsequently appointed Director General and Chief Compliance Officer, Sustainable Development and Climate Change Department in 2021, where he guided policy development across all thematic and sector areas while ensuring ADB-wide consistency in initiatives and services. Mr. Carrasco supported senior management in leading the strategic repositioning of ADB into its current role as the Climate Bank for Asia and the Pacific. In 2023, following a reorganization, he was appointed Director General of the Climate Change and Sustainable Development Department, leading ADB-wide knowledge, innovation, policies, and strategies in all thematic areas. He also oversees the administration of trust funds and global funding initiatives and provides advice to management on strategic, operations, and policy matters.
Prior to joining ADB, Mr. Carrasco worked for UNDP in Mozambique and UN-OPS in 1989-1991. From 2000-2003, he was on a leave of absence working as Senior Economist at the European Central Bank. He holds a Doctorate in Economics from the University of Essex, a Master's degree from the University of British Columbia, and a Bachelor's degree from the University of Montreal.
YOONEE JEONG
Senior Digital Tech Specialist (Digital Infra & Economy)
Digital Sector Office (DIG)
Sector Department 2, ADB
Yoonee Jeong is a Senior Digital Technology Specialist with the Digital Sector Office at ADB. She is a public policy professional with nearly 20 years of international experience in digital technologies in Asia Pacific and Africa. Before joining ADB, Yoonee was the Director of Public and Regulatory Affairs with the Telenor Group, a global mobile operator. Previously, Yoonee served as a senior consultant on digital economy policy and capacity building to the World Bank and UN-ESCAP and lead policy advocacy for tech companies as Director of Research and Consulting with TRPC, an advisory firm. A Korean native, Yoonee obtained her Master's degree in International Development Policy from Duke University as a Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) Scholar and her bachelor's from the Ateneo de Manila University of the Philippines.
JAYVEE SANTOS
Regional Coordinator
UNCTAD’s ASYCUDA Programme
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
Jayvee Santos, a citizen of the Philippines, is the current Regional Coordinator for of UNCTAD’s ASYCUDA Programme. He has worked with UNCTAD since 1997. Before joining UNCTAD, he worked as a software developer with Unisys developing applications for banks in Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines.
Prior to his current appointment, Jayvee started his career with UNCTAD as a local project staff and later as project manager in the Philippine Tax Computerization Project from 1997-2000. He served as an ASYCUDA IT Expert from 2001-2018 working with more than 20 countries in the Asia-Pacific region, including leading the implementation of ASYCUDA in Timor-Leste from 2002 to 2006 and in Fiji from 2014 to 2017 and providing support to 13 Pacific countries - Cook Islands, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu; two Pacific territories - Guam, American Samoa; and six Asian countries - Bangladesh, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
Jayvee was appointed as the ASYCUDA Programme's Regional Coordinator for the Pacific in 2018 based in Suva, Fiji, where he oversaw ASYCUDA projects and technical assistance in 15 countries and territories in the region. He was appointed as the ASYCUDA Regional Coordinator for Asia from January 2024, bringing with him more than 25 years of relevant experience in the automation of customs procedures, project management and implementation at the national level for Customs ICT system.
Jayvee studied public management in the University of the Philippines and has a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Ateneo de Manila University.
YANN DUVAL
Chief
Trade Policy and Facilitation Section,
Trade, Investment and Innovation Division
United Nations Economic and Social Commission for the Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP)
Yann Duval is currently Chief of Trade Policy and Facilitation Section at UN-ESCAP, the regional branch of the United Nations Secretariat for Asia and the Pacific. Over the past 20 years, Dr. Duval has conducted research and delivered technical assistance and advisory services on trade policy and facilitation throughout Asia and the Pacific, including on the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. He spearheaded the development of the Asia-Pacific Research and Training Network on Trade (ARTNeT), as well as interalia, the creation of the ESCAP-World Bank Trade Cost Database, the UN Global Survey on Trade Facilitation and Paperless Trade Implementation and the online Trade Intelligence and Negotiation Adviser (TINA). Dr. Duval was also instrumental in the development of the United Nations Network of Experts for Paperless Trade and Transport in Asia and the Pacific (UNNExT) and the negotiation of a new intergovernmental Framework Agreement on Facilitation of Cross-Border Paperless Trade in Asia and the Pacific, a UN treaty entered into force in February 2021. Prior to joining the UN, he held faculty positions at the Asian Institute of Technology and Washington State University, USA.
PIERRE BONTHONNEAU
Chief, Trade and Investment Facilitation
International Trade Centre (ITC)
Pierre Bonthonneau leads the trade facilitation team at the International Trade Centre (ITC), with over 15 years of experience in international trade and logistics. His expertise spans roles in logistics service providers, strategy consulting, and United Nations organizations. Pierre previously managed clearing and forwarding operations for a company active along Africa's main transport corridors and worked with the Boston Consulting Group, where he contributed to export strategy design for developing countries and supply chain development in Africa. Since joining ITC, Pierre has supported over 40 countries in implementing WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement obligations, managing +30M$ global project portfolio. His work focuses on customs reforms, including Advance Rulings, Authorized Economic Operator programs, Risk-Management, Time Release Studies, and the digitalization of border procedures. Notable projects include the establishment of a Single Window in Guatemala, advancing risk management practices in East Africa, and operationalizing the trans-Caspian corridor in Central Asia.
YUYA YAMAMOTO
Trade Specialist, CCRC, CCSD, ADB
Yuya Yamamoto is a Trade Specialist in Regional Cooperation and Integration and Trade Division of ADB. Since he joined ADB in 2022, he has supported trade facilitation measures in Southeast Asia and Pacific countries. He also works with the subregional cooperation framework of GMS Economic Cooperation Program and BIMP-EAGA (Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area).
Prior to ADB, he worked for international corporation issues and trade- and customs-related issues in the Ministry of Finance, Japan. He has Master of Arts in Applied Economics from Johns Hopkins University, and Bachelor of Economics from the University of Tokyo.
KIJIN KIM
Senior Economist Regional Cooperation and Integration Division (ERCI)
Economic Research and Development Impact Department (ERDI), ADB
Moderator
Kijin Kim is a Senior Economist in the Economic Research and Development Impact Department, Asian Development Bank. Since he joined the ADB in 2017, he has been working on trade, trade facilitation, and trade finance within the context of regional cooperation and integration. He contributed to ADB’s publications on these areas including the Asian Economic Integration Report; Trade Finance Gaps, Growth, and Jobs Survey; and Asia-Pacific Trade Facilitation Report.
Before joining the ADB, he was a research fellow of the Regional Economics Applications Laboratory at the University of Illinois since 2012. From 2004 to 2010, he worked as Economist at the Bank of Korea. He earned his PhD in economics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2016, focusing on research within the fields of regional economics and applied econometrics, centered on the role of labor markets, the effects of heterogeneity in consumption spending and labor market participation on regional economies.
Jiayi Chai
Department of General Operation
General Administration of Customs of China (GACC)
Chai Jiayi is currently primarily engaged in advancing the development of Smart Customs initiatives.
Following the 2018 institutional reform, the responsibilities of China Customs expanded from traditional functions such as import-export supervision, tariff collection, anti-smuggling, and customs statistics to include the inspection and quarantine of animals, plants, food safety, and goods.
China Custom is dedicated to streamlining and optimizing processes through an integrated information system. This initiative enhances customs clearance efficiency and drives the advancement of trade facilitation.
Xialong Zheng
Customs National Targeting Bureau (Qingdao)
General Administration of Customs of China (GACC)
Zheng Xiaolong has been working over 20 years in multiple Customs departments covering enterprise investigation, enterprise management, and risk management.
In terms of promoting trade facilitation, he's actively engaged in various key tasks in multiple fields, such as enterprise credit management, cross-departmental incentive and sanction actions, enterprise coordinator program, WTO trade facilitation negotiations, AEO international mutual recognition and cooperation, the WCO "Smart Customs" project, and the World Bank's BBE project, etc.
Mr. Zheng's efforts have effectively contributed to building a better business environment, enhanced the sense of gain and satisfaction of enterprises.
JAYVEE SANTOS
Regional Coordinator
UNCTAD’s ASYCUDA Programme
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
Jayvee Santos, a citizen of the Philippines, is the current Regional Coordinator for of UNCTAD’s ASYCUDA Programme. He has worked with UNCTAD since 1997. Before joining UNCTAD, he worked as a software developer with Unisys developing applications for banks in Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines.
Prior to his current appointment, Jayvee started his career with UNCTAD as a local project staff and later as project manager in the Philippine Tax Computerization Project from 1997-2000. He served as an ASYCUDA IT Expert from 2001-2018 working with more than 20 countries in the Asia-Pacific region, including leading the implementation of ASYCUDA in Timor-Leste from 2002 to 2006 and in Fiji from 2014 to 2017 and providing support to 13 Pacific countries - Cook Islands, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu; two Pacific territories - Guam, American Samoa; and six Asian countries - Bangladesh, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
Jayvee was appointed as the ASYCUDA Programme's Regional Coordinator for the Pacific in 2018 based in Suva, Fiji, where he oversaw ASYCUDA projects and technical assistance in 15 countries and territories in the region. He was appointed as the ASYCUDA Regional Coordinator for Asia from January 2024, bringing with him more than 25 years of relevant experience in the automation of customs procedures, project management and implementation at the national level for Customs ICT system.
Jayvee studied public management in the University of the Philippines and has a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Ateneo de Manila University.
STEVE CAPELL
Vice Chair
United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business (UN/CEFACT)
As a member of the Australian delegation to UN/CEFACT, Steve Capell has been contributing to digital standards for trade facilitation for around 20 years. In that capacity he is currently working on a recommendation to nations on implementation of supply chain transparency at scale. This project includes some detailed implementation guidance in the form of the UN Transparency Protocol (UNTP).
UNTP is an open standard that provides practical solutions to challenges like due-diligence, corporate scope3 disclosures, mass-balance, greenwashing, data privacy, paper compatibility, and commercial incentives. UNTP is designed for scalability and allows every value chain actor to take simple steps towards a value-based participation in transparent and sustainable supply chains without any dependency on other actors in the value chain.
When not working on UN/CEFACT projects, Steve runs a boutique consultancy in Canberra, Australia that provides digital strategy and implementation services to Australian government agencies including the Australian border Force, the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment & Water, and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry.
PIERRE BONTHONNEAU
Chief, Trade and Investment Facilitation
International Trade Centre (ITC)
Pierre Bonthonneau leads the trade facilitation team at the International Trade Centre (ITC), with over 15 years of experience in international trade and logistics. His expertise spans roles in logistics service providers, strategy consulting, and United Nations organizations. Pierre previously managed clearing and forwarding operations for a company active along Africa's main transport corridors and worked with the Boston Consulting Group, where he contributed to export strategy design for developing countries and supply chain development in Africa. Since joining ITC, Pierre has supported over 40 countries in implementing WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement obligations, managing +30M$ global project portfolio. His work focuses on customs reforms, including Advance Rulings, Authorized Economic Operator programs, Risk-Management, Time Release Studies, and the digitalization of border procedures. Notable projects include the establishment of a Single Window in Guatemala, advancing risk management practices in East Africa, and operationalizing the trans-Caspian corridor in Central Asia.
YUYA YAMAMOTO
Trade Specialist, CCRC, CCSD, ADB
Moderator
Yuya Yamamoto is a Trade Specialist in Regional Cooperation and Integration and Trade Division of ADB. Since he joined ADB in 2022, he has supported trade facilitation measures in Southeast Asia and Pacific countries. He also works with the subregional cooperation framework of GMS Economic Cooperation Program and BIMP-EAGA (Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area).
Prior to ADB, he worked for international corporation issues and trade- and customs-related issues in the Ministry of Finance, Japan. He has Master of Arts in Applied Economics from Johns Hopkins University, and Bachelor of Economics from the University of Tokyo.
RONNEL B. HOMBRE
Acting Deputy Commissioner
Bureau of Customs, Philippines
Deputy Commissioner Ronnel B. Hombre’s extraordinary journey from overcoming hardship to becoming a key figure in the Bureau of Customs reflects his commitment to excellence, strategic vision, and a deep sense of responsibility. As the Deputy Commissioner for the Management Information Systems and Technology Group (“MISTG), he is currently spearheading the modernization of the Bureau’s operations, bringing forward innovative solutions to streamline and enhance its technological infrastructure in alignment with global standards.
His leadership is a direct reflection of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision of Makabagong Aduana sa Bagong Pilipinas, positioning the Bureau of Customs as a forward-thinking, efficient, and globally competitive agency, with the guidance of Secretary Ralph Recto and Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio.
A distinguished entrepreneur, Deputy Commissioner Hombre holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, major in Financial Management, from the University of the East (“UE”), where he graduated with academic distinction. He further honed his expertise by finishing a Master’s in Public Management from Northwest Samar State University, pursued a Master in Entrepreneurship at the Asian Institute of Management, and earned academic units for a Master in Business Administration at UE. He also deepened his knowledge in business expansion by completing the Certified Franchise Executive course at the Institute of Certified Franchise Executives in Washington, D.C., USA.
Drawing from his extensive background in entrepreneurship, financial management, cybersecurity, and franchising, Deputy Commissioner Hombre is reshaping MISTG into a pillar of innovation within the Bureau, ensuring that all technological advancements yield win-win solutions for both the agency and its stakeholders. He is currently overseeing the comprehensive upgrade of all Customs systems, enhancing trade facilitation, optimizing operational efficiency across all ports, and ensuring seamless transactions for importers and exporters. A staunch advocate for regulatory compliance, he upholds strict adherence to laws and implementing rules for Value-Added Service Providers (“VASPs”), reinforcing transparency and accountability in Customs processes.
As a Deputy Commissioner of the country’s second-largest revenue-generating agency, he is dedicated to fortifying the Bureau’s mission of becoming a modern, efficient, and credible institution—one that not only addresses the demands of today’s trade landscape but also drives the Philippines toward a future of streamlined, technology-driven customs administration.
CARMEN MARIA RAMIREZ ORTIZ
Consultant
Private Sector Operations Department (PSOD), ADB
Carmen Ramirez is part of the Asian Development Bank (ADB)’s Trade and Supply Chain Finance Program (TSCFP) working as Relationship Manager with a mandate to increase the Program’s supply chain finance business across APAC through deployment of SCF solutions, development of risk-sharing partnerships and the piloting of innovative products such as deep tier supply chain finance. She is project co-lead on TSCFP's Trade Digitalization Initiative, as part of ADB’s effort to promote and advance the digitization of global trade. Prior to joining ADB, Carmen worked at the Economic and Commercial Office of Spanish Embassy in the Philippines and, previously, in various finance and treasury roles in a home care manufacturing company.
Carmen's background is in finance and accounting, and she earned an MBA in International Management on a scholarship for Young Professionals from Menéndez Pelayo International University (UIMP), in partnership with ICEX España Exportación e Inversiones, a government agency dedicated to supporting the internationalization of the Spanish economy.
TENGFEI WANG
Economic Affairs Officer, UN ESCAP
Mr. Tengfei Wang joined the United Nations as an Economic Affairs Officer in 2008. Since then, he has been supporting countries in Asia and the Pacific to advance trade and transport facilitation, the digital economy, technology, and innovation. Currently, his work focuses on supporting the countries to implement the Framework Agreement on Facilitation of Cross-border Paperless Trade in Asia and the Pacific – a United Nations treaty promoting digital and paperless trade. Throughout his career, he has authored over 100 UN legislative documents, guidebooks, and reports. He led the preparation of G20 reports on the digital economy in 2021 and a United Nations-Google joint study on leveraging artificial intelligence for public service delivery. He publishes extensively in peer-reviewed academic journals on economics, trade, logistics, and the digital economy, with his publications cited over 4,000 times. He played a key role in initiating and finalizing the UN/CEFACT Recommendation 42. He earned his PhD in economics from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and won the 'Palgrave Macmillan' global PhD thesis competition (2002-2005). Before joining the United Nations, he was a Research Fellow at Newcastle University (2004-2005) and a Senior Lecturer at the University of Plymouth (2005-2008), United Kingdom.
YERN FAI LEE
Associate Economic Affairs Officer, UN ESCAP
Yern Fai Lee is an Associate Economic Affairs Officer under the Trade, Investment and Innovation Division at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). He is involved in a range of projects across trade policy and trade facilitation, including initiatives on trade and health research, cross-border paperless trade and trade facilitation, and related capacity-building efforts. Before joining ESCAP, Yern Fai conducted research on inequality issues at the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs in New York, and prior to that worked in the areas of labour and health in the Singapore government.
ZULFIA KHAMITOVNA KARIMOVA
Principal Regional Cooperation Specialist
Regional Cooperation and Integration Unit
Central West Regional Department
Moderator
International development professional with diverse work experience, having worked with multilateral organizations like ADB, IMF, World Bank, UN; private sector and international NGOs, think tank/academia. Ms. Karimova has extensive experience in managing policy dialogue with senior government officials and complex programs in [sub]regional cooperation and integration (RCI), corporate finance and social sectors, as well as in strategic coordination and implementation of ADB-wide strategies and policies.
Ms. Karimova led and coordinated multi-stakeholder and cross-sectoral efforts in the conceptualization and design of innovative development initiatives for ADB operations. She coordinates diverse range of RCI, trade and investment, capacity development, and co-financing. She manages RCI projects in the People's Republic of China, Mongolia, and subregional trade initiatives in the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program and Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS).
XUEHUI WU
Ministry of Commerce, the PRC
TO REQUEST
YOUCHANG JIANG
Technical Attaché of Procedures/Facilitation, World Customs Organization (WCO)
Youchang Jiang is currently serving as a Technical Attaché at the Procedures and Facilitation Sub-Directorate, Compliance and Facilitation Directorate of the World Customs Organization (WCO). Her working areas mainly include SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade and AEO programmes, cross-border e-commerce, and ATA/Istanbul Convention. She takes the lead in developing Guidelines on expanding the concept of AEO to cross-border e-commerce. Prior to joining the WCO, she worked as a Customs officer in China Customs since 2018, focusing on international Customs cooperation and dealing with Smart Customs Initiative, Secure and Smart Trade Lanes, AEO mutual recognition, cross-border e-commerce and optimized cross-border procedures.
STANLEY BOOTS
Co-Founder, Silta Finance
Stanley Boots is the Co-Founder of Silta Finance, a pioneering AI-driven compliance and due diligence platform designed to streamline project financing and trade facilitation. With a background in law, finance, and technology, Stanley has spent his career working at the intersection of global commercial transactions, infrastructure development, sustainable finance, and digital innovation.
Silta Finance has developed cutting-edge AI solutions that enhance regulatory compliance, accelerate decision-making, and unlock capital for high-impact projects. Most recently, Silta AI has expanded into trade facilitation, and is prototyping an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) compliance model to help businesses and customs authorities navigate complex international trade regulations more efficiently.
Stanley has extensive experience advising governments, multilateral organizations, and private sector leaders across Asia and emerging markets. His work with ADB, the World Bank, and frontier market investors has shaped policies that drive investment in sustainable infrastructure and cross-border trade.
At this conference, Stanley will discuss the role of AI in trade facilitation, demonstrating how digital tools can simplify compliance, reduce costs, and accelerate AEO certification, making global trade more accessible and efficient.
ASHA MENON
Vice President
Global Customs Compliance and Regulatory Affairs
DHL Express
Asha Menon is the Vice President of Global Customs & Regulatory Affairs at DHL Express, where she champions regulatory strategies and fosters collaboration with Customs administrations and government agencies worldwide. Since joining DHL Express, she has been instrumental in driving meaningful engagement with global, regional, and country authorities. Her efforts have focused on building stronger relationships, fostering cooperation, and enhancing collaboration to address regulatory challenges and support shared goals.
With over 30 years of experience in customs and regulatory affairs, Asha brings a unique perspective that bridges national customs operations, international diplomacy, and global trade facilitation.
Before joining DHL Express, Asha dedicated over three decades to the Malaysian Customs Administration, serving in various capacities nationwide. As head of the Customs Modernization Unit, she led the development of Malaysia’s National AEO Programme in coordination with 43 other border agencies. From 2002 to 2009, she served as the first Malaysian female Customs Attaché in Brussels, representing Malaysia at the World Customs Organization (WCO), the European Union, and other international forums. In 2009, Asha made history as the first female Customs Officer from ASEAN seconded to the WCO, where she was responsible for global initiatives, including the SAFE Framework of Standards, AEO programs, Air Cargo Security, and Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII), all of which contributed significantly to trade facilitation, supply chain security, and customs-to-business partnerships.
Asha holds a Master’s degree in International Strategy & Diplomacy. Outside of work, she values time with family and friends, enjoys staying active through sports, and loves watching lighthearted movies. She believes in balancing professional dedication with personal joy and meaningful connections, fostering a holistic approach to life and work.
BYEONGJO KONG
Digital Technology Specialist (AI and Data Analytics)
Digital Sector Office (DIG)
Sector Department 2, ADB
Moderator
ByeongJo (Jo) is a digital technology specialist at Digital Sector Office (DIG), where he leads ADB’s AI and data analytics initiatives across its operations and in developing member countries. Previously, he worked as a Machine Learning Engineer for AI startups in the US and Korea, conducted AI research at MIT, and managed ICT capacity building programs at the United Nations. Jo has a dual master's degree in EECS and Engineering Management from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (USA) and a bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering from Kyunghee University (Korea).
NINO JINCHARADZE
Head
Project Management and Development Division, IT Center
Revenue Service of Georgia, Ministry of Finance, Georgia
Nino Jincharadze is the Head of Project Management and Development Division at the Georgia Revenue Service IT Center, leading initiatives in customs digitalization, AI-driven automation, and paperless trade. With over a decade of experience in customs modernization and international trade facilitation, she has worked on aligning Georgia’s trade processes with global best practices. Recognized by the World Customs Organization, she actively contributes to shaping the future of AI in customs operations and procedures.
THOMAS CANTENS
Technical Assistance Advisor
International Monetary Fund (IMF)
Thomas Cantens has joined the IMF’s Fiscal Affairs Department in 2024. He was previously Head of the Research and Policy unit at the World Customs Organization (WCO). Prior to his position at the WCO, he worked in the field of investigations and intelligence in the French customs administration. He served as a resident advisor in three sub-Saharan customs administrations, in Mali, Cameroon and Niger. Thomas is a research associate at the Centre d’études et de recherche sur le développement international de l’Université d’Auvergne (CERDI, France). Initially graduated as an engineer (POLYTECH Montpellier, France), he holds a PhD in social anthropology and ethnology (Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales, France) and a postgraduate certificate in geospatial analysis (Ecole Nationale des Sciences Géographiques, France). He has published articles, research papers and books on customs reform, quantification, fragility and taxation, and more recently on generative AI.
LOPE DOROMAL JR.
Chief Technology Officer
Microsoft Philippines
Lope Doromal Jr. is the Chief Technology Officer of Microsoft Philippines. With over three decades of experience in the IT industry, Lope has been at the forefront of technological innovation, driving transformative solutions across various sectors, with particular focus on the banking industry. His expertise spans cloud computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and digital transformation.
As CTO, Lope leads Microsoft’s strategic initiatives to empower organizations to achieve more, through cutting-edge technology, by fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.
Ramesh Moorthy
Additional Director
National Customs Targeting Center (NCTC)
CBIC, India
Mr. Ramesh Moorthy is Additional Director of Customs at the National Customs Targeting Center (NCTC) under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), India. He leads the Risk Management Systems (RMS) vertical, focusing on inhouse applied research, leveraging emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Computer Vision and Data Analytics to enhance customs operations and facilitate legitimate trade.
As a key driver of AI innovation in customs, he has spearheaded research and in-house development of AI-powered tools, including ADVAIT-BERT, a cutting-edge Generative AI model for HS classification and risk assessment. His work plays a crucial role in strengthening trade facilitation, ensuring compliance, and optimizing customs risk management strategies.
Beyond his role as a customs officer, Mr. Moorthy is a passionate coder and has actively participated in and won multiple hackathons, contributing to the development of AI-driven solutions for government applications
Soo Hyun Kim
Economic Affairs Officer
Trade Policy and Facilitation Section (TPFS),
Trade, Investment and Innovation Division (TIID)
UN ESCAP
Moderator
Soo Hyun Kim is Economic Affairs Officer, Trade Policy and Facilitation Section, Trade, Investment and Innovation Division, United Nations ESCAP. She is responsible for managing multiple capacity-building projects related to trade digitalization. These projects include the implementation of numerous capacity-building and technical assistance activities, including readiness assessments for cross-border paperless trade and feasibility studies on cross-border electronic exchange of trade data. She also manages the UN Global Survey on Digital and Sustainable Trade Facilitation and relevant reports. Her work has been instrumental in supporting the implementation of the Framework Agreement on Facilitation of Cross-border Paperless Trade in Asia and the Pacific.
In addition to her current focus on trade digitalization, Ms. Kim has previously worked on topics related to foreign direct investment (FDI) and investment regimes and their impact on sustainable development, as well as sustainable business practices.
Her professional background extends beyond the UN system, having worked with local government and higher education institutions in the United Kingdom. She is a double master's degree holder, a business administration degree with a specialization in financial management from TiasNimbas Business School (the Netherlands) and an information science degree from Loughborough University (the United Kingdom).
JUNGMI KIM
Senior Assistant Director
Korea Customs Services
Miryang Kim is a Senior Assistant Director at Korean Customs. As a technical officer, she specializes in big data and AI for customs administration. With over 18 years of experience in the ICT field, she has expertise in utilizing big data and leveraging data models to solve complex challenges within customs. Her experience includes managing a big data platform with AI models and leading data modeling projects. She trained as a data expert through the Korean Customs training program and holds a master’s degree in Applied Machine Intelligence from Northeastern University in the U.S.
RAGHAD AL TALLI
Trade Facilitation Adviser, ITC
Raghad Altalli is a Trade Facilitation Adviser at the International Trade Centre in Geneva. Since joining ITC in 2014, Raghad has led trade related programmes in over 25 countries with a focus on developing innovative digital solutions and implementing trade facilitation reforms. These reforms include risk management, pre-arrival processing, single window, advance rulings, time-release studies, Digitalizing border procedures, streamlining operations, and establishing consultation and appeal mechanisms. Additionally, she provides advisory services to policymakers and businesses, helping them adopt best practices and implement strategic reforms
Before her tenure at ITC, Raghad worked at the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and in the private sector, where she developed deep expertise in economic analysis, strategic planning, and market-driven solutions.
Raghad holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in economics from the University of Geneva.
DAISUKE NAGANO
Senior Intelligence Analyst
Regional Intelligence Liaison Office for Asia and the Pacific (RILO A/P)
World Customs Organization (WCO)
Daisuke Nagano was in Japan Customs (Intelligence relevant), joined Customs in 1989, Intelligence Center for 10 years in total, Filed intelligence and investigation for a year. WCO relevant experiences: RILO A/P in Tokyo (2001 – 2003); RILO A/P in Tokyo (2024 – present); Faculty at Customs Training Institute (WCO RTC) for two years; WCO Scholarship Program faculty at GRIPS and Aoyama Gakuin University for two years and Accredited Expert in Risk Management since 2013. JICA Expert in foreign country (TF relevant) were JICA Expert on Risk Management for Malaysia Customs (2009 – 2011) and JICA Expert on Customs Policy and Administration for Cambodia Customs (2019 – 2022).
THOMAS JENSEN
Assistant Professor
Copenhagen Business School, Department of Digitalization
Thomas Jensen is an Assistant Professor at Copenhagen Business School’s Department of Digitalization. Previously, he was an industrial researcher at Maersk, where his research led to the innovations later developed as TradeLens. He has worked at a variety of IT firms, including Microsoft and SAP. His research interests focus on ERP systems, international trade, information infrastructures and platforms, blockchain-based technology, and e-commerce.
KANYA SATYANI SASRADIPOERA
Principal Regional Cooperation Specialist
South Asia Regional Cooperation Unit (SARC)
South Asia Regional Department (SARD)
Moderator
Kanya Satyani Sasradipoera is Principal Regional Cooperation Specialist at the South Asia Department of the Asian Development Bank (ADB). She joined ADB in late 2009 as Regional Cooperation Specialist at the Central Asia Regional Cooperation and subsequently transferred to Southeast Asia Department of ADB in 2011 as the focal point of ADB’s cooperation with ASEAN, Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines-East Asian Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), and Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT). In 2013, she was assigned to be the focal for ADB’s support in trade and transport facilitation programs in Southeast Asia Region until June 2023.
Prior to joining ADB, Kanya served at the ASEAN Secretariat as Senior Officer for the Trade and Trade Facilitation Division of the Bureau for Economic Integration, until she left for ADB in 2009.
Muhammad Asim Awan
Domain Officer
Pakistan Single Window (PSW)
An officer of Pakistan Customs Service with 12+ years of experience at different ports, airports & land border stations of Pakistan, specializing in core customs processes including assessment, enforcement, and trade facilitation. Since 2021, Mr. Awan has been serving as a Domain Officer with the PSW and has supervised the rollout of various modules relating to cross-border trade regulators including the Animal Quarantine Department, Department of Plant Protection, Ministry of Narcotics Control, Pre-shipment Inspection Companies Integration, Sindh Excise, Taxation & Narcotics Control Department, Trade Development Authority of Pakistan, Integrated Risk Management System (IRMS) as well as many of PSW’s outreach initiatives.
JOANICO PINTO
Commissioner
Timor Leste Customs Authority
Mr. Pinto has been appointed as the incoming Commissioner for the Customs Authority fo Timor-Leste, effective from September 6, 2024, under Government Resolution No. 48/2024. With a strong background in public financial management and leadership, Mr. Pinto is committed to enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the Customs Authority to support TimorLeste’s economic growth and secure the country’s borders. Before taking this position, Mr. Pinto was the Director General of Corporate Services and the General Director of IT Unit of the Ministry of Finance.
Education and Professional Background
Mr. Pinto holds a bachelor’s degree in Economic and Management. He has also completed various specialized training courses, including:
- International PFM courses in Melbourne, Australia funded by DFAT and the World Bank
- International Procurement Courses organized by KOICA
- Advanced Free Balance modules in Budgeting, payments and procurements
- Senior Leadership Course by the Institutu Nacional Defesa (IDN)
- International Government Finance Statistic (GFS) Course in Nandi, Fiji
- Participate in International Seminar hosted by IMF, ADB, WB, OECD, PEMNA, JICA, KOICA, EU and FISC.
Vision and Mission
Mr. Pinto envisions a modernized Customs Authority that operates with efficiency, transparency, and accountability. His goals include developing continuous training programs for customs staff, revising customs laws and organizational structures, and enhancing the use of technology to improve service quality and operational efficiency.
STEVE CAPELL
Vice Chair
United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business (UN/CEFACT)
As a member of the Australian delegation to UN/CEFACT, Steve Capell has been contributing to digital standards for trade facilitation for around 20 years. In that capacity he is currently working on a recommendation to nations on implementation of supply chain transparency at scale. This project includes some detailed implementation guidance in the form of the UN Transparency Protocol (UNTP).
UNTP is an open standard that provides practical solutions to challenges like due-diligence, corporate scope3 disclosures, mass-balance, greenwashing, data privacy, paper compatibility, and commercial incentives. UNTP is designed for scalability and allows every value chain actor to take simple steps towards a value-based participation in transparent and sustainable supply chains without any dependency on other actors in the value chain.
When not working on UN/CEFACT projects, Steve runs a boutique consultancy in Canberra, Australia that provides digital strategy and implementation services to Australian government agencies including the Australian border Force, the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment & Water, and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry.
FAUDZI AHMAD SAFRULLAH
Head Of Export Process Business Efficiency
Indonesia National Single Window Agency
Customs Officer In:
a. Mining Sub-Directorate, Customs Facility Directorate DGCE; Year 2001 – 2007
b. Soekarno Hatta Airport Customs Office, Year 2007 – 2010
c. Palembang Customs Office, Year 2010 – 2012
d. Soekarno Hatta Airport Customs Office, Year 2012 – 2015
e. Bogor Customs Office, Year 2015 – 2017
f. Amamapare Customs Office, Year 2017 – 2019
g. West Borneo Regional Customs Office, Year 2019 - 2021
- Customs Policy Analysis, Customs Facility Directorate DGCE; Tahun 2021 – 2024
- Chief of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Empowerment Sinergy Team Ministry of Finance; Year 2022 – 2024
- Project Officer National Logistic Ecosystem, Year 2022 - Now
- Head of Export Process Business Efficiency, Indonesia National Single Window Agency, 2024 – Now
CLARIESSE JAMI MARI A. CHAN-PROELLER
Associate Economic Affair Officer
Trade Facilitation Section Division on Technology and Logistics, UNCTAD
Moderator
Ms. Clariesse is an Associate Economic Affairs Officer at UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD). Since 2017, she has led technical assistance and capacity-building projects to support the implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement and promote trade facilitation reforms across Africa, Asia, the Pacific, and the Caribbean. She also contributes to the development of trade facilitation reports, providing insights and data to inform policy decisions and implementation strategies.
Before joining UNCTAD, she gained diverse experience at the International Trade Centre in Geneva, the International Energy Charter Secretariat in Brussels, and in various law firms in the Philippines.
DAVAA TSENDSUREN
Head
Risk Management Division Customs General Administration of Mongolia
Member of the Trade Facilitation Committee of Mongolia
Dr. Tsendsuren Davaa is the Head of the Risk management division at the Customs General Administration of Mongolia and a Member of the Trade Facilitation Committee of Mongolia. She has over 30 years of experience in both practical and academic research related to customs and trade facilitation.
Dr. Tsendsuren began her career as a Customs examination officer and has since held key leadership positions, including Team Leader, Senior Officer, and Deputy Director of the department over the past 15 years.
She holds a Master's degree in Public Finance from the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS), Japan, and earned her Ph.D. in Business Administration from the National University of Mongolia.
Her customs career development took advantage of the capacity building programme which the WCO developed for its Member Customs administrations.
Over the years, Dr. Tsendsuren has actively participated in WCO, WTO, UNESCAP, UNCTAD, and CAREC conferences, workshops, and seminars, serving as a moderator, speaker, and facilitator on topics such as trade facilitation, risk management, Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programme, E_commerce and customs modernization. In 2017, she was accredited as a WCO Customs Technical and Operational Advisor on Risk Management and since then, she has been delivered a number of missions on behalf of the WCO.
To date, Dr. Tsendsuren has published 33 research papers and articles at both national and international levels. Her academic and professional interests include trade facilitation, risk management, Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programmes, customs valuation, customs modernization, and coordinated border management.
In addition to her professional duties, she serves as a Visiting Professor at the National University of Mongolia and Citi University of Mongolia, contributing to the development of the next generation of customs and trade professionals.
Most recently, Dr. Tsendsuren was appointed as the Head of the Customs Integrity Sub-Committee, further strengthening her role in promoting transparency and integrity in customs operations.
SIN YOUNG LOH
Senior Principal Consultant,
TradeTrust Sectoral Transformation Group
Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), Singapore
As Senior Principal Consultant for TradeTrust at IMDA, Sin Yong focuses on establishing TradeTrust as the international standard, driving thought leadership on TradeTrust matters internationally, and providing advisory guidance on technical issues pertaining to electronic transferable documents. Sin Yong initiated and spearheaded TradeTrust since 2019, making a significant impact on trade digitalization globally.
Sin Yong has over 30 years of professional IT and leadership experience in trade facilitation, logistics, maritime domains particularly in the China, South East Asia and South Asia markets. He represents Singapore as Head of Delegation at UNCEFACT and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer & Information Sciences, a Master’s degree in Management of Technology, and a Graduate Certificate in Intellectual Property Law.
SUSMITA MAJUMDER
Senior Managing Consultant, IBM Consulting
A business and technology driven professional with 22+ years of experience in leading complex digital transformation in Government & Public Sector, Banking and Financial Services (BFS), Retail and Supply Chain domains focussing on Blockchain, Analytics, Data Lake technologies across clients in India and Southeast Asia.
As a Blockchain Consultant and Engagement Lead in IBM have delivered the following engagements in the last couple of years.
Government of Maldives:
Blockchain Pilot for Paperless Trade facilitation in Maldives,
Under South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation National Single Window
Blockchain pilot platform for trade import process for Govt. of Maldives between 2020-2023
Leading NBFC in Bangladesh:
Blockchain based platform for Supply Chain Finance System & Dealer Financing
Production implementation of Blockchain based end to end Supply Chain Finance & Dealer Finance system for the NBFC between 2019-2021
Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Ltd in India:
Blockchain based Invoice Discounting System
Production implementation of Blockchain based Invoice Discounting System for MMFSL between 2017-2019
Work Experience
Senior Managing Consultant, Data & Technology Transformation (DTT) Consultant, IBM India Pvt Ltd., Mumbai, India, India | Sep 2015 – Present
Principal Consultant in Management & IT Consulting, Pricewaterhouse Coopers Ltd, Mumbai, India | Nov 2008 - Sep 2015
Education
Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management, Finance, Strategy, Systems, Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta, IN, 2008
BTech, Electronics and Telecommunications, Institute of Radiophysics & Electronics, IN, 1999
ALFREDO PERDIGUERO
Regional Head
Regional Cooperation and Integration Unit (SERC)
Southeast Asia Department (SERD), ADB
Alfredo Perdiguero is the Regional Head, Regional Cooperation and Integration in the Southeast Asia Department of Asian Development Bank. He has worked in Southeast Asia for the last 25 years and has broad exposure, deep knowledge and extensive work with ADB on regional cooperation and integration issues in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT), and the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). Mr. Perdiguero also acts as the administrator of the ASEAN Infrastructure Fund, the largest initiative of the ASEAN in its history based on the member countries’ funding contributions. He is also leading the ADB partnership with Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam.
Prior to joining ADB in 1999, Mr. Perdiguero was an economist in the European Union Delegation in South Africa. He also worked as a trade specialist in the Spanish Embassy in Egypt and in several NGOs in Latin America. He has been a Lecturer in Universities in Madrid, Spain and the Ateneo Graduate School of European Studies, Manila, Philippines. His career spans the private sector, the government and the academe. He holds a Master’s degree in Economics from Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Spain.
CLARIESSE JAMI MARI A. CHAN-PROELLER
Associate Economic Affair Officer
Trade Facilitation Section Division on Technology and Logistics, UNCTAD
Moderator
Ms. Clariesse is an Associate Economic Affairs Officer at UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD). Since 2017, she has led technical assistance and capacity-building projects to support the implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement and promote trade facilitation reforms across Africa, Asia, the Pacific, and the Caribbean. She also contributes to the development of trade facilitation reports, providing insights and data to inform policy decisions and implementation strategies.
Before joining UNCTAD, she gained diverse experience at the International Trade Centre in Geneva, the International Energy Charter Secretariat in Brussels, and in various law firms in the Philippines.
YANN DUVAL
Chief
Trade Policy and Facilitation Section,
Trade, Investment and Innovation Division
United Nations Economic and Social Commission for the Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP)
Yann Duval is currently Chief of Trade Policy and Facilitation Section at UN-ESCAP, the regional branch of the United Nations Secretariat for Asia and the Pacific. Over the past 20 years, Dr. Duval has conducted research and delivered technical assistance and advisory services on trade policy and facilitation throughout Asia and the Pacific, including on the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. He spearheaded the development of the Asia-Pacific Research and Training Network on Trade (ARTNeT), as well as interalia, the creation of the ESCAP-World Bank Trade Cost Database, the UN Global Survey on Trade Facilitation and Paperless Trade Implementation and the online Trade Intelligence and Negotiation Adviser (TINA). Dr. Duval was also instrumental in the development of the United Nations Network of Experts for Paperless Trade and Transport in Asia and the Pacific (UNNExT) and the negotiation of a new intergovernmental Framework Agreement on Facilitation of Cross-Border Paperless Trade in Asia and the Pacific, a UN treaty entered into force in February 2021. Prior to joining the UN, he held faculty positions at the Asian Institute of Technology and Washington State University, USA.