India, South Korea Agree To Strengthen Cooperation In Customs Affairs
India and South Korea strengthen cooperation on customs and trade.
South Korea and India have agreed to strengthen cooperation in customs affairs and work towards smoother trade between the two countries, South Korea's customs agency announced on Wednesday. The understanding was reached during a meeting between the Korea Customs Service (KCS) and officials from India's Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) in New Delhi.
During the meeting, the KCS requested Indian authorities to support smoother customs clearance for South Korean businesses operating in India. South Korean officials also presented cases involving local Korean companies that had encountered customs-related difficulties. The discussions covered ways to address such hurdles and improve coordination between the two customs administrations.
The two sides also discussed broader bilateral cooperation, including possible training programmes. Han Min, director general for international affairs at the KCS, noted that India is an important partner for South Korea in the Asia-Pacific region. He maintained that stronger customs cooperation could help address obstacles faced by South Korean companies seeking to export their products to India.
Also Read: Commerce Ministry Directs Customs, DRI To Monitor Gold And Silver Smuggling
The discussions come as both countries seek to facilitate bilateral trade and create more predictable conditions for businesses operating across their markets. Improved customs coordination can help companies navigate clearance procedures more efficiently while strengthening institutional cooperation between the two countries.
Separately, the KCS reported progress in an international operation targeting illicit drugs across the Asia-Pacific region. The agency participated in a two-month joint operation with the Regional Intelligence Liaison Office for Asia and the Pacific under the World Customs Organization, alongside 18 other countries, during May and June.
Authorities seized 2.1 tonnes of drugs in 785 cases during the operation, significantly exceeding the 663 kg seized in 235 cases during the previous year's exercise. The seizures included 633.4 kg of methamphetamine, 368.8 kg of cannabis and 57.1 kg of cocaine. The KCS also indicated that it plans to deepen cooperation with international organisations including the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and Interpol.
Also Read: India And Thailand Discuss Cooperation To Tackle Online Scams
