Customs sector promotes cooperation and international integration

	Customs takes many measures for budget collection from the beginning of 2020
	Customs sector achieved revenue collection by VND 330,474 billion
	Customs sector deployed administrative reform criteria

On December 2019, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Finance Vu Thi Mai and the US Chargé d’Affaires to Vietnam Caryn McClelland signed the Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement. Photo: H.N

According to the International Cooperation Department under the General Department of Vietnam Customs, in a world economy with complex and unpredictable developments, drastic changes of trade policy according to the protection trend and trade wars between countries with large export turnover with Vietnam are great impacts on the national economy.

In 2019, Vietnam Customs contributed to customs cooperation activities in multilateral forums such as ASEAN, APEC, ASEM, WCO, and WTO, and played an increased role in these forums. For customs control, Vietnam Customs participated in global anti-smuggling campaigns of WCO and in the region. Along with leaders of other countries' customs, Vietnam Customs adopted many measures of customs cooperation based on ASEAN commitments and the ASEAN Summit's decision on trade facilitation and performed effectively customs law in ASEAN. In addition, Vietnam Customs is one of the leading countries to actively connect the ASEAN Single Window (ASW) and deploy the ASEAN Customs Transit System (ACTS).

Last year marked an important milestone to enhance the image and position of Vietnam Customs in ASEM cooperation with the successful hosting of the 13th meeting of ASEM Customs Directors-General in Ha Long city. This was the most important meeting of Asia- Europe Cooperation Forum in customs and also the largest meeting hosted by Vietnam Customs with the participation of the Director General, High Commissioner of Customs of 53 ASEAM customs authorities, Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the European Union.

Vietnam Customs has successfully held the 13th meeting of ASEM Customs Directors-General. Photo: H.N

In parallel with bilateral cooperation, the Customs sector has strengthened cooperation and effectively collaborated with customs authorities of strategic partner countries such as the US, the UK, Russia, the Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea through information exchanging and collection, skill training and negotiation to sign Customs agreements and memorandums of understanding. Also in 2019, the Vietnam Government signed the Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement with the US Government.

The representative of International Cooperation Department said that in 2020, the Customs sector will enhance efficiency of cooperation and integration, build a good and professional image of Vietnam Customs in the international arena, have a position and confirm its role in multilateral integration forums. It will also expand bilateral cooperation with other countries to make use of their strengths in supporting the practical needs of Vietnam Customs.

It will continue to implement strictly and effectively multilateral and bilateral international commitments, advice and propose to participate and negotiate to build modern customs standards and apply global scientific and technological advances in customs area in Vietnam. it will also search and exploit the aid and technical support for the training and development of human resources, perfect the modern customs law system and infrastructure and facilities for modern customs management.