A three-day meeting of South Asian Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) customs officials began in Kathmandu, bringing together representatives from seven member countries to discuss faster and more transparent cross-border trade through modern technology, digital customs systems, and improved border management.
Kathmandu – A three-day meeting of customs officials from South Asian Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) member countries began in Kathmandu today.
The event, hosted by Nepal, has brought together senior customs officials from Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Finance Secretary Dinesh Kumar Ghimire said stronger cooperation among member countries is needed to make cross-border trade faster and easier. He stressed that using modern technology in customs work and managing borders in a coordinated way can reduce delays, improve transparency, and help achieve regional economic growth.
Mahesh Bhattarai, Director General of the Department of Customs and Chair of the SASEC Customs Subgroup, said the meeting will help strengthen cooperation in cross-border trade, customs procedures, and transport management. He added that digital technology is already making trade quicker, simpler, and more transparent, and such meetings give these efforts more momentum.
According to Narayan Prasad Regmi, Director at the Department of Customs, the meeting will discuss several topics, including exchanging customs documents at major border points, sharing advance information on imported and exported goods, using electronic cargo tracking systems, improving border management, and making cross-border transport easier.
Participants from all countries highlighted the need for modern technology and better coordination between government agencies to reduce problems and delays at the borders. The meeting is also expected to explore common trade policies, fully digitalize customs procedures, improve infrastructure, and promote information technology.
The three-day conference is expected to take regional cooperation in customs and border management to a higher level.