Customs-Business partnership: Cooperate to operate more efficiently

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Resolving problems of enterprises is the regular operation of the Binh Duong Department of Customs.

Increase the belief

In 2016, the target of the Customs-Business partnership program is to focus on the construction and amendment of Customs policies and legislation, support the implementation of new regulations on Customs; supervise the enforcement of the Customs Act; and equip Customs officers with knowledge and skills to develop the Customs-Business partnership. In particular, the issues which should be achieved when developing this relationship include: information, consultation, participation and empowerment.

In recent years, the most positive sign which has been appreciated by the business community is consultation in the formulation of new laws and new regulations. Therefore, many workshops related to consultation or companies' opinions on new policies, new provisions of the Customs Law, and the Law on export and import tax received a great number of enterprises’ comments. Moreover, Customs authorities also organized many seminars and conferences to answer concerns of businesses and organizations to identify problems and seek solutions to solve these problems.

Mrs. Phan Thi Thanh Xuan, the Secretary General of the Vietnam Leather, Footwear and Handbag Association (Lefaso) said that the Association and members were often asked for comments or feedback on issues related to Customs. Thus, the policies in the field of Customs are closer to the actual operations of enterprises, creating a firm belief in the Customs-Business partnership.

Moreover, when enterprises face problems related to Customs procedures, they will receive positive feedback and support from Customs authorities. Mrs. Phan Thi Thanh Xuan said, Lefaso and other associations such as the Textiles Association, Fisheries Association and Wood Association established an alliance to solve problems in the field of Customs. When there are any problems arising related to Customs services, they will gather comments, suggestions or recommendations to propose and send to Customs authorities.

Regarding the support from Customs authorities, Mrs. Trinh Tu Anh, the Director of An Do Building and Trade Ltd Company said that her company usually worked with the Lang Son Department of Customs. The friendliness of Customs staff with the company was very high, so as soon as problems arise, Customs officers answer promptly. Moreover, recommendations and feedback from the company has been appreciated by Customs officers to coordinate and quickly change on the basis of current laws.

A close collaboration needed

Although the deployment of the Customs-Business partnership program has obtained positive results, enterprises still expect more favourable conditions for export and import activities with a large number of goods.

Mrs. Trinh Tu Anh said that enterprises updated information about regulations and new legislation through services of the Library Law because Customs authorities cannot send sufficient information sources to the business community. In addition, import-export activities are not only related to Customs, but they also involve many other Departments and Ministries. Therefore, Customs should have further support for businesses and direct Customs officers to facilitate enterprises.

According to representatives of the Association of Automobile Manufacturers, Customs should have close cooperation with other Departments and Ministries, and promote the Customs-Business partnership in order to resolve troubles arising, particularly in the field of specialized inspections. Thus, there is a need for collaboration among State agencies, because with special goods, there are 3-4 Ministries or Departments implementing specialized inspections. Then, Customs officers will perform Customs clearance if the goods comply with criteria. Therefore, if the problems are resolved smoothly, enterprises have more favorable conditions to develop.

Regarding the Customs-Business partnership program, Mr. To Hoai Nam, the Vice Chairman and Secretary General of the Vietnam Small and Medium Business Association said that Customs should actively promote and hold more seminars, conferences and workshops to resolve problems for businesses. Accordingly, Customs is responsible for inviting experts and leaders from relevant Ministries to exchange ideas and guide enterprises while associations will be in charge of encouraging members to join these seminars and conferences. The close coordination between Customs and enterprises will create more opportunities for the business community to develop.

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Overall, the implementation of regulations and administrative procedures may not fully meet requirements of all enterprises, but it should be towards the most favorable process. Therefore, the participation and supervision of enterprises will be a breakthrough for the implementation of Customs reforms, which facilitates both Customs and enterprises.