Marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral trade and customs cooperation, India and the Dominican Republic have signed a Joint Action Plan (JAP) towards the establishment of an Authorised Economic Operator – Mutual Recognition Agreement (AEO-MRA).
The JAP was signed on 4th August by Mr. Surjit Bhujabal, Special Secretary & Member (Customs), Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), and Mr. Eduardo Sanz Lovatón, Director General of Customs, Dominican Republic. The signing ceremony was graced by H.E. Mr. Francisco Comprés H., Ambassador of the Dominican Republic to India.
This initiative marks a vital milestone in the ongoing collaboration between the customs administrations of both nations and aims to promote trade facilitation, secure global supply chains, and mutual recognition of AEO programmes.
The AEO-MRA, once finalized, will allow accredited businesses in both countries to enjoy simplified customs procedures, faster clearances, and reduced compliance costs, thereby encouraging smoother and more secure cross-border trade.
Mr. Bhujabal emphasized the growing importance of customs cooperation in a globally connected trade ecosystem and reaffirmed India’s commitment to enhancing facilitation measures through trusted trader programmes like AEO. Mr. Lovatón echoed similar sentiments, highlighting that the JAP represents a strong commitment to economic partnership and trust-building.
