On September 15, Vice Minister Sun Yibiao met with Ms.Maria Fernandez, Deputy Secretary of Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection.

Both sides positively evaluated China-Australia relations and Customs cooperation. It is believed that since the signing of China and Australia Customs Strategic Partnership Program in 2012, the two sides have conducted frequent personnel exchanges and pragmatic and effective cooperation.

Vice Minister Sun made four proposals on cooperation between China Customs and the newly integrated Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection. Firstly, both sides should  maintain close communication on preparations for the forthcoming China-Australia Free Trade Agreement to ensure that all items under customs chapters will be implemented properly. Secondly, cooperation should be tightened in areas of intelligence exchanges, fight against smuggling and detector dog training. Thirdly, both administrations should deepen cooperation in risk management and strengthen experience sharing in terms of work on National Targeting Centres. Fourthly, further cooperation should be carried out in AEO mutual recognition with a view to promoting trade facilitation.