India and Bhutan have reaffirmed their strong bilateral trade relationship
♦ India and Bhutan have reaffirmed their strong bilateral trade relationship during the 6th Joint Group of Customs (JGC) Meeting held in Thimphu, Bhutan. ♦ The meeting aimed to deepen cooperation on customs processes, streamline cross-border trade, and ensure efficient and secure border management. ♦ The meeting was co-chaired by Surjit Bhujabal, Special Secretary and Member (Customs), Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), Government of India, and Mr. Sonam Jamtsho, Director General, Department of Revenue and Customs, Royal Government of Bhutan. ♦ Key areas of discussion included the automation and digitisation of transit processes, implementation of Coordinated Border Management (CBM), pre-arrival exchange of customs data, and the movement of goods under the Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS). ♦ Both sides also discussed the Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement (CMAA) to further enhance collaboration.