Team Herald
VASCO: Goa University Vice Chancellor Prof Varun Sahni on Saturday said that Customs have become one of the frontline agencies in terms of national security.
He was speaking as the chief guest on the occasion of International Customs day celebration organised by Commissioner of Customs, Goa at Customs House on Saturday.
“In the world of material interconnectedness where everything is connected globally, you cannot prevent the movement of goods and the challenge for customs therefore becomes fundamental. At the same time it is the duty of every customs officer to protect economic sovereignty and national security of the county as well as to keep wheels of commerce and global supply chains moving smoothly. This is why, it is said that the toughest job today is of the customs officer at the point of entry, because they have to make decision very often, very quickly merely by taking a look at the consignment, paper or person and that could have fundamental impact on national security and on penetration of undesirable, illegal or smuggled goods into the country and that’s why it’s a very tough job and our customs officers are doing on day to day basis, Sahni said.
“Today customs have become one of the frontline agencies in terms of national security,” he said.
Goa Chambers of Commerce and Industries (GCCI) President Sandip Bhandare talked about security of business environment. He said that customs have evolved as the main agency in combating smuggling and it also plays a major role in international movement of goods thereby securing the State’s interest with regards to revenue collection.
“On one hand there is need for effective security and control of international supply chains, while on the other hand there is increasing demand for greater facilitation of legitimate trade. It is imperative for customs to ensure that while controlling illegal trade, it has also to facilitate the environment of business that will foster the participation in cross border trade,” Bhandare said.
