CBEC to host ASEM session to discuss priorities for customs

Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) will host the 11th Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM) of the Directors General-Commissioners of Customs in Goa on October 8 and 9.
The Directors General-Commissioners of Customs will deliberate on a new action plan for 2016-17 which shall reflect the priorities of Customs administrations as they face the twin challenges of facilitating trade and ensuring legal compliance as global trade volumes rise, the Finance Ministry said in a statement.
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, it added.

The Goa meeting will be chaired by CBEC Chairman Najib Shah. World Customs Organisation (WCO) Kunio Mikuria shall also be present as an observer.
Heads of Customs administrations and delegates from 53 Member States of ASEM, 30 from Asia, 21 from Europe and two international organizations namely the European Commission and the ASEAN Secretariat are expected to attend the event, the statement said.
Established in 1996, ASEM aims to strengthen the Asia-Europe relations and in this direction provides opportunities for dialogues and cooperation between countries of Asia and Europe in wide areas covering politics, economy, culture and others.
Cooperation in Customs matters between Asia and Europe is an important element of the ASEM framework and the Directors General-Commissioners of Customs of ASEM meet biennially to discuss current developments and priorities of Customs work.