The World Customs Organization’s Secretary General, Kunio Mikuriya, called on the Prime Minister, Tshering Tobgay, at Gyalyong Tshogkhang today.

The WCO established in 1952 is an apex intergovernmental body which aims to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of the customs administration throughout the globe.

Lyonchhen and the Secretary General discussed on expanding information and communication technology, improving human resource development and setting up business friendly economic competitiveness.

A press release from the Prime Minister’s Office says since its membership, Bhutan has been receiving substantial technical support and training services from WCO. Bhutan joined WCO in 2002.

“The significant support and training services provided by WCO was greatly valued,” said the Prime Minister. The discussion also touched upon economic reforms and technological changes to promote transparency and accountability in customs administration.

The Prime Minister and the Secretary General also talked about harmonising and simplifying customs procedure to simplify the progress of legitimate trade across national boundaries and encourage public and private sector to work together.

Lyonchhen also congratulated Kunio Mikuriya for being re-elected for the second consecutive term. Mr. Mikuriya, accompanied by the Head of the Asia Pacific Regional Capacity Bureau of Bangkok, Yoshi Hiro Kosaka is on a two day goodwill visit.

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Lyonpo Namgay Dorji led the RGoB delegation to attend the 47th Annual Meetings of the Board of Governors of the ADB held in Astana, Kazakhstan from 2-5 May 2014.

The Hon’ble Finance Minister is the Governor on the Board of ADB. The theme of the meeting was “The Silk Road – Connecting Asia with the Changing World” and was chaired by H.E Mr. Erbolat Dossaev, Finance Minister of Republic of Kazakhstan. The meeting was attended by about more than 3,000 participants from ADB’s 67 member countries, including representatives of government, multilateral financial institutions, private sector, central banks, civil society, academia and media.

ADB’s annual meetings are statutory occasions for Governors of ADB members to provide guidance on ADB administrative, financial, and operational directions. It provided opportunities to the Governors to call on the President, interact with ADB’s senior management and other Governors.

On the sideline of Annual Meeting, the RGoB delegation also attended the 8th Informal Meeting of SAARC Finance Ministers on 3rd May 2014.

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