By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, June 29: Many pending issues, including the ones relating to customs and trade, were taken up during the 7th Commissioner-level India-Bangladesh Joint Group of Customs Meeting, which was held in the state capital.
The two-day meeting, which culminated on Friday, was organised in a bid to foster cooperation, enhance efficiency, and advance shared goals in customs administration, so as to strengthen collective efforts in customs enforcement, trade facilitation, and border security.
The meeting was attended by a 10-member Indian delegation, led by M. Rahman, Commissioner of Customs Preventive Commissionerate, NER, Shillong, and a four-member delegation from Bangladesh, led by Md. Kamruzzaman, Commissioner, Customs, Excise & VAT Commissionerate, Jashore.
“Following the meeting, many pending issues at ground level were resolved and many other issues were highlighted to be escalated at higher-level appropriate forums, thereby leading to the resolution of many customs and trade-related issues,” a statement in this regard said.
During the meeting, the Bangladesh head of delegation expressed gratitude to the Indian Customs for organising the meeting and making the deliberations result-oriented.
“This meeting therefore marks a significant milestone in the bilateral relations between Indian & Bangladesh, emphasising our shared commitment to enhancing trade facilitation and cooperation between both nations. Such constructive dialogue and partnership is essential to strengthen the efficiency and effectiveness of cross-border trade, and promote economic growth and prosperity,” the statement said.
During the two-day meeting, approved minutes were also signed after both sides reached a consensus on several key issues relating to bilateral trade and customs procedures.