The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, is implementing a groundbreaking initiative to enhance trade facilitation and address grievances effectively. In a recent trade notice, DGFT announced the introduction of a Centralized Video Conference (VC) facility at its headquarters in New Delhi, aiming to streamline communication and provide exporters with a platform for issue resolution and feedback.
1. Purpose of Centralized VC Facility: DGFT’s new initiative, effective from 8th November 2023, allows exporters and trade representatives to participate in centralized VCs every Wednesday between 10 am to 12 noon. Senior officers from DGFT HQs will be available to resolve matters that couldn’t be resolved by regional authorities, ensuring efficient grievance redressal.
2. Platform for Suggestions and Concerns: The VC facility also serves as a platform for trade and industry representatives to suggest improvements and raise concerns regarding DGFT’s systems and procedures. This open dialogue fosters collaboration between the government and the business community, promoting transparency and mutual understanding.
3. Registration and Participation Process: Interested parties can avail this facility by registering on the DGFT portal (dgft.gov.in) and selecting the ‘Centralised VC with HQs’ option under ‘services’. Priority will be given to registered participants, with subsequent access provided to waiting members in the VC lobby based on availability. DGFT plans to adjust time slots based on response and demand from the trade and industry, ensuring inclusivity.
4. Continuation of Existing Services: It’s important to note that the new centralized VC facility complements the existing daily online VCs with regional authorities and individual appointments with concerned officers over VC. These services continue as usual, providing exporters with multiple avenues for communication and issue resolution.
5. Conclusion: The introduction of the Centralized Video Conference facility at DGFT headquarters signifies a proactive step towards enhancing trade facilitation and stakeholder engagement. By providing exporters with a direct line of communication to address concerns and suggest improvements, DGFT aims to create a collaborative environment conducive to seamless international trade. This initiative not only showcases the government’s commitment to supporting the exporting community but also highlights the importance of constructive dialogue in shaping trade policies and procedures for a more vibrant and efficient export landscape in India.
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Government of India
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Department of Commerce
Directorate General of Foreign Trade
Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi
Dated: 6th November, 2023
Trade Notice No. 32/2023-24-DGFT
To,
All Exporters/Members of Trade
DGFT Regional Authorities
Export Promotion Councils/Commodity Boards
Sub: Introduction of Centralized Video Conference Facility at DGFT Headquarters
In its continuous endeavour to enhance Trade Facilitation and provide efficient grievance redressal mechanisms, DGFT has introduced a new facility of centralized Video Conference facility at DGFT HQs for the benefit of the exporting community.
2. Effective from 08.11.2023, a centralized Video Conference (VC) facility will be available at the DGFT headquarters every Wednesday between 10 am to 12 noon. Senior officers from DGFT HQs shall remain present during these VCs to address the matters which could not be resolved by various DGFT Regional Authorities (RAs) despite concerted efforts.
3. This facility is also intended as a platform for Trade and Industry representatives to bring forward suggestions for improvements and raise concerns pertaining to DGFT systems and procedures.
4. Interested parties may avail this facility by registering on the DGFT portal at dgft.gov.in and selecting the ‘Centralised VC with HQs’ option under ‘services’. The first preference shall be given to those who have requested a slot by logging in and registering. Thereafter, based on availability of time, the VC shall be made open to allow all waiting members in the VC lobby to enter. The time and slots available under this facility shall be increased/moderated over a period of time based on the response received from the trade and industry.
5. The existing facility of daily online VCs with all RAs of DGFT, as well as individual appointments with concerned officers of RAs over VC shall continue as usual.
6. This notice is issued with the approval of the competent authority.
(K.M Harilal)
Joint Director General of Foreign Trade
E-mail: km. harilal nic.in
[Issued from File No. 01/94/180/080/AM24/PC-4]
