Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee has said there is a need to increase trade facilitation in customs to help exporters and importers.

Mukherjee made the observation during the third meeting of the Consultative Committee attached to his Ministry, an official release said.

The meeting, attended by a number of Members of Parliament and senior officials, also saw a presentation by the Central Board of Excise & Customs (CBEC) on measures to enhance trade facilitation.

Members also offered suggestions for furthering the cause of facilitation.

These suggestions included strengthening of customs infrastructure and administration in border areas, facilitating clearance of perishable cargo, greater linkage with other agencies and improving road/rail infrastructure in remote areas, the release said.