Brussels, 12/02/2008 (Agence Europe) - The EC-Japan Joint Customs Cooperation Committee (JCCC) held its first meeting in Brussels on Monday 11 February, with three items on the agenda, namely facilitating trade through increased security; fighting fraud; and protecting intellectual property rights. Concerning security of the supply chain, the two sides agreed to work together to ensure fast mutual recognition of programmes to award Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status, as established by the two sides, explains the European Commission in a press release. A special working group will be set up shortly in this connection. The EU and Japan decided to boost the exchange of information in order to protect intellectual property. The JCCC meets once a year. Japan has offered to host the next meeting. (M.B.)