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On 24-25 September 2024, Bhutan's Department of Revenue and Customs (DRC), in collaboration with The Asian Development Bank’s South Asia Department (ADB SARD), convened the 12th Meeting of the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Subgroup on Customs in Thimphu, Bhutan.

Hon. Lyonpo Lekey Dorji, ADB Governor and Bhutan Minister of Finance, delivered the keynote address while Mr. Thiam Hee Ng, Regional Head (RCI), SARD, provided welcome remarks. Mr. Sonam Jamtsho, Director General, DRC, chaired the meeting, convening 28 customs officials representing all SASEC countries.

Discussions focused on the progress of six key subregional projects. Participants also received updates on newly commissioned studies addressing critical topics such as coordinated border management, e-commerce, regional electronic cargo tracking systems, highly facilitated corridors, and new trade routes. The meeting concluded with a half-day knowledge event on coordinated border management organized in partnership with the World Bank. This meeting marked a significant step forward in enhancing regional cooperation and improving customs practices across the SASEC countries.