Measures to improve compliance level in service tax and issues related to special economic zones, are among key issues that will be discussed at the all India annual conference of the Chief Commissioners and Directors General of the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC). The conference is being inaugurated by Finance Minister P Chidambaram tomorrow.

The two-day annual conference is an important event where the department charts out action plan to meet various targets and goals fixed for the year.

The conference will commence with the performance appraisal of the CBEC in key areas such as revenue collection, enforcement, trade facilitation, and the opportunities and challenges. Status of automation initiatives in CBEC and expectations from the field formations will also be discussed.

Other important issues such as the current trends in smuggling and commercial frauds, department's preparedness in terms of equipment to meet these challenges, dispute resolution, and human resource development will also be discussed.