CBIC Hosts Global AEO Programme with World Bank in Delhi

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) organised a two-day global India Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme in association with World Bank on 28th and 29th Nov. 2024, in New Delhi.

The event saw the participation of Shri Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, Chairman, along with Members of the CBIC, besides the Valedictory address by Shri Sanjay Malhotra, Secretary, Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance. The event witnessed participation from 18 trade partner countries, private sector, and international organisations.

In his valedictory address on the day two of the conference, Shri Sanjay Malhotra explained the two-pillar approach of the Government on tax administration — trust and technology — and underscored the importance of expansion of Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) programme to include more regional and bilateral partners.

Shri Malhotra assured India’s support in developing a robust AEO programme in countries with less capabilities and emphasised that AEO helps in re-organising and re-engineering tax system that relies on trust-based strategies.

Shri Surjit Bhujbal, Member (Customs), CBIC, highlighted the progess made by India AEO programme and underscored the benefits accrued to the private sector. Shri Satya Prasad Sahu, World Bank summarised the key takeaways from the conference.

The India Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Dialogue was inaugurated by Shri Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, Chairman, CBIC, along with Members of CBIC, Shri Rajiv Talwar; Shri Alok Shukla Member; Shri Vivek Ranjan; and Shri Surjit Bhujbal; in presence of Mr. Hoon Sahib Soh, Head, South Asia Macroeconomics Trade & Investment, World Bank. Mr. P. K. Das, Director, World customs organisation, New Delhi also addressed the conference.

Representatives from Russia, Australia, Thailand, Vietnam, Qatar, Bangladesh, Brazil, New Zealand, Burundi, Kenya, Uganda, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Zimbabwe, Egypt and Belarus attended the programme.

The conference had participants from trade associations like US India Strategic Partnership Forum, Federation of Indian Export Organisations, Freight forwarders Associations of India and several participant companies. The deliberations included panel discussions on the journey of India's AEO Programme, benefits to MSMEs, MRAs, engagements with international participants and learning best practices, Risk Management, Gender dimentions of trade facilitation and Supply Chain Resilience.

In his keynote address on day one, Shri Agarwal emphasised the improvement made by India in the World Bank logistics performance index and centrality of AEO programme in that effort. AEOs programme embodies India's ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which must be seen as a global effort to secure global trade.

In his address at the conference, Mr. Hoon Sahib Soh emphasied that AEO programme is a testament to India’s dedication to building resilient and trusted trade partnerships. He also called upon all the stakeholder to redefine the future of global trade partnerships and position India as a leader in the modern, interconnected trade ecosystem.

Earlier, in his inaugural welcome address, Shri Bhujbal welcomed the participants and said that the conference presented an opportunity to discuss policies and programmes as it is not only a platform for ideas but it is a platform for action.