Four nations, including Maldives, sign MoU on pre-arrival information exchange

Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Maldives, and Nepal yesterday signed a Memorandum of Intent aimed on cooperation in pre-arrival information exchange to facilitate trade and strengthen customs control on goods.

The MoU was signed during the 14th meeting of the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Customs Group, held in Malé.

The signing ceremony was attended by Maldivian Minister of Homeland Security, Labour, and Technology Ali Ihusaan, as well as Dr. Yurendra Basnett, Principal Regional Cooperation Specialist for South Asia at the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

In a statement, Maldives Customs said that the framework represents a significant step in advancing regional integration, enabling customs administrations to exchange critical cargo information before arrival and strengthen compliance and coordination across borders.

Customs added the private sector is expected to benefit significantly from the initiative, particularly through reduced border delays, lower logistics costs, improved shipment predictability and strengthened supply chain security, making cross-border trade faster, safer and more reliable.