80th Session of Policy Commission Meeting of WCO held in Mumbai

The 80th Session of Policy Commission of World Customs Organization (WCO) was held Mumbai, Maharashtra.

• It is being organized by WCO and hosted by Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), under the Union Finance Minister.

Details:

• The Secretary General- WCO, other top officials and customs heads from more than 30 countries had participated in this conference for discussion on various matters related to customs. 
• Key discussion were on issues related trade facilitation, controlling illicit financial flow, performance measurement, challenges of small island economies. 
• Hosting of Policy Commission session will give global presence and leadership role to India in the area of customs procedures.
• It will also give a boost to India's thrust in facilitating trade.

About World Customs Organisation (WCO):

• It is an independent intergovernmental body whose mission is to enhance effectiveness and efficiency of Customs administrations.
• It was established in 1952 as Customs Co-operation Council (CCC). 
• It is headquartered in Brussels, Belgium.
• More than 180 countries are its members including India.
• It is the only international organization with competence in Customs matters and defines global standards and procedures for customs clearances at border and their implementation. 
• It is considered as the voice of international Customs community.
• It aims to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of member customs administrations and assist them to contribute successfully to national development goals, particularly revenue collection, national security, trade facilitation, community protection, and collection of trade statistics.
• India is a member of WCO since 1971 and has been participating actively in its various activities.
• It is part of the Asia Pacific region having 33 countries, one of 6 regions.
• From 1st July 2018, India has taken over as the Vice-Chair of the Asia Pacific region for two years.

Organizational Structure of WCO:

• WCO's governing body is a Council which relies on the competence and skills of WCO Secretariat and a range of technical and advisory committees to accomplish its mission. 
• The Secretariat comprises over 100 international officials, technical experts and support staff of multiple nationalities.
• WCO has divided its membership into six regions whereby each region is represented by the elected Vice-Chairperson to the WCO Council.

Question:

Q. Where was the 80th Session of Policy Commission of World Customs Organization (WCO) held?
a. Mumbai, Maharashtra
b. Chennai, Tamil Nadu
c. Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
d. None of the above