U.S., ECUADOR SIGN CUSTOMS MUTUAL ASSISTANCE AGREEMENT

U.S., ECUADOR SIGN CUSTOMS MUTUAL ASSISTANCE AGREEMENT    The U.S. and Ecuadorian governments signed an agreement that will allow both countries to work together to prevent, investigate and reduce customs violations.
   The agreement will be most beneficial for investigations of commercial fraud, narcotics smuggling and exports control.
   “International trade and criminal activity are increasing so rapidly,” said U.S. Customs Commissioner Robert C. Bonner. “It is essential for us to establish a network of agreements between customs agencies to share information for facilitating trade and for law enforcement purposes.”
   U.S. domestic laws, and most foreign national laws, do not permit disclosure of much information in the absence of a formal agreement or treaty.
   U.S. Customs now has 51 customs mutual assistance agreements with other customs administrations.