TEAM HERALD
DABOLIM: Rear Admiral Balvinder Parhar, Flag Officer of Goa Area on Monday felt that communication among member states is a sharing process which fosters information, builds trust and ensures better cooperation.
He was addressing a gathering on the theme of communication during the International Customs Day in the Customs House at Mormugao Harbour.
Though the International Customs Day is annually celebrated on January 26, it is deferred to the next available day in India to enable the nation to celebrate Republic day, said Parhar.
“International Customs Day theme highlights the significance of a business partnership. It contributes in many areas such as trade supply chain security, worldwide customs growth, enhancing business standards and public-private enterprises. World Customs Organisation (WCO) members celebrate international customs day as a magnificent reminder of the vital role played by customs bodies all over the world,” said Rear Adm. Prahar.
DIG of Coast Guard M V Baadkar stated that the Coast Guard was initially the preventive wing of the customs and it gradually turned into an independent body and security organization.
“The Coast Guard keeps a strict check on anti-terrorist operations and the advancement of information and technology has helped sharing information effectively and in the shortest period of time,” he said.
President of Goa Chambers of Commerce and Industries Narayan Bandekar admitted that members of trade and industries generally view the Customs with suspicion due to harassment and other difficulties.
“However, Goa is a small state and customs officials are very cooperative and approachable,” said Bandekar and assured that the trade and industry would render full support and cooperation to the Customs.
In his address, Commissioner of Customs V P C Rao stated that though the Customs are entrusted with the task of collecting revenue, they want to be felicitators between members of the trade and industries.
