Commerce & Customs departments must focus on implementation

Himanshu Vatsa | The Dollar Business Many operational issues related to exports and imports can be resolved through systematic coordination between the Commerce Ministry and Customs Department, said the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO). FIEO, however, said that the effectiveness of such interactions will lie in their implementation. “If there is an institutional mechanism which is effective, definitely it will help our trade in a big way because most of the issues between DGFT and Customs. And to that extent, the meeting will be very helpful. But the real essence of the committee will lie in its effectiveness,” said Ajay Sahai, Director General, FIEO. Earlier this week, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), a wing of the Union Commerce Ministry, had said that it was considering regular interactions with the Customs department to sort out trade related operational issues. A DGFT official had said that the department was planning to hold such meetings at least once in two months to resolve operational issues and promote foreign trade. The DGFT is planning to hold a meeting on May 15 for the operational review. According to officials, now operational review meetings will take place regularly. Speaking to The Dollar Business, FIEO Director General expressed concern over the decision making and implementation of such meetings, saying that they will benefit the trading industry only when their decisions are implemented promptly. “If the committee meets and takes a decision which is implemented on the spot quickly then it will be very beneficial for the trading industry,” Sahai said, adding that those attending the meeting must have decision making power. “Those who are attending the meeting should not come and say that we have to get the approval from the higher authorities. So, if there is decision making; decisions are communicated and implemented; definitely it will be a big help for the export sector,” he added. Last year, India's exports remained US$ 310.5 billion, down from US$ 314.4 billion in the previous year. Imports stood at US$ 447.5 billion against the figure of US$ 450.2 billion a year ago.    

May 8, 2015 | 5:45 pm IST.