5th Joint Group of Customs (JGC) meeting between India and Bhutan held on 6th-7th May in Leh, Ladakh.
The meeting tried to strengthen bilateral ties and deal with various issues related to customs and trade facilitation.
The meeting was co-chaired by Surjit Bhujabal from India and Sonam Jamtsho from Bhutan.
During the meeting, the opening of new Land Customs Stations, the development of infrastructure, automation of transit processes were discussed.
Measures to prevent smuggling were also discussed during the meeting.
Bhutan thanked India, particularly the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, for support in skill development and capacity building for Bhutanese customs officials.
The India-Bhutan Joint Group of Customs meetings are held annually.
They try to redefine and re-engineer customs procedures as well as promote cooperation and trade facilitation as per global best practices.
India is Bhutan’s top trade partner, both in terms of imports and exports.
Trade between India and Bhutan has increased since 2014 and reached $1,615 million in 2022-23. This accounts for nearly 80% of Bhutan’s overall trade.
Bhutan is a landlocked country. So, trade through Land Customs Stations has a vital role in its economy.
