Customs authorities from Asia, Europe to discuss trade facilitation
Representatives of customs departments from 53 countries of Asia and Europe will hold a two-day meeting on October 8-9 in Goa to discuss various issues including those related to trade facilitation and cooperation in legal matters. “The two-day meeting will focus on the five main priorities of ASEM viz. trade facilitation and supply chain security; combating infringement on IPR; protection of society and environment; involving business; and communication and visibility,” the Finance Ministry said in a statement on Monday. The Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) will host the 11th Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM) of the Directors General-Commissioners of Customs in Goa. The meeting will be chaired by Najib Shah, Chairman, CBEC. India is hosting the meeting for the first time since joining ASEM in 2008. The forum has 30 members from Asia and 21from Europe. Besides, secretaries of two international organisations— the European Commission and the ASEAN – are also expected to attend the meeting. Kunio Mikuria, Secretary General of the 180-member World Customs Organization (WCO) will also be present at the event as an observer. The customs authorities will deliberate on a new action plan for 2016-17 and priorities amid the twin challenges of facilitating trade and ensuring legal compliance. Cooperation in customs matters between Asia and Europe is an important element of the ASEM framework and the authorities of the ASEM meet biennially to discuss current developments and priorities.
October 06, 2015 | 2:37pm IST.
to success.