Enterprises will benefit from Customs reform and modernization

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Mr. Hoang Dinh Trung, the Deputy Director of Customs Reform and Modernization Board.

Can you talk about the Customs-Business partnership in recent years?

The development of the Customs-Business partnership is the policy which is consistent with the world trend; particularly when the Government is very interested in improving the business environment and enhancing the competitiveness of enterprises. According to the strategy of Vietnam Customs for the period 2011-2020, Customs authorities require the Customs-Business partnership to be consistent with the current administrative reform and meet international standards. Currently, the plan of Customs reform and modernization is more and more effective; which has contributed to both Customs authorities, and the business community.

For example, Customs authorities should actively implement the institutional reforms at the request of the Government. Earlier, the law was mostly built by Customs authorities, but currently the law is much influenced by the business community. Thanks to the participation and criticism of the business community, legal documents will be much more sustainable and effective. Besides, Customs authorities encourage enterprises to participate in the construction of policies and laws and supervise the implementation of policies and laws, which improves transparency for the business environment.

Therefore, in addition to reinforcing the Customs-Business partnership activities, in the near future, Customs should promote the partnership at a higher level to become a reliable partnership.

In your opinion, what are the benefits enterprises can gain from participating in the partnership activities, as well as the plan of Customs reform and modernization?

Promoting and strengthening the Customs-Business partnership will become the basis for development of a reliable partnership. The first benefit for enterprises when becoming trusted partners is to get regular and continuous assistance from Customs authorities, which improve the prestige and status of these enterprises in the business environment. In addition, other benefits for enterprises are to raise their voices or propose to amend institutional policies to be more transparent, efficient and effective.

The plan of Customs reform and modernization has many new targets. In this context, what is the role of the business community?

In the next 5 years, the General Department of Vietnam Customs is committed to continue to promote Customs reform and modernization, including: Continue to develop models of e-Customs procedures, improve institutional policies, and upgrade and develop electronic clearance system such as VNACCS/VCIS. In addition to the proactive activities of Customs authorities, there are many activities which include the involvement and contributions of the business community in the amendment of institutional policies and improvement of service quality.

Normally, only when enterprises see direct benefits, do they participate in activities relating to assistance of law enforcement or improvement of policies and legislation, or Customs clearance. However, there are other long-term benefits which require enterprises to actively cooperate with Customs authorities. Besides, in order to encourage enterprises to participate in the plan of Customs reform and modernization, local Customs departments should encourage and facilitate businesses to develop a regular partnership with Customs authorities.

In particular, the plan of Customs reform and modernization for the period 2016-2020 emphasizes the role and status of the business community and relevant units in the process of Customs reform and modernization. Customs Authorities encourage enterprises to actively participate in the Customs reform and modernization to improve effectiveness and efficiency of State management in Customs, law enforcement and law surveillance through the Customs-Business partnership. In addition, Customs authorities also actively promote innovation and activities to create favorable conditions for enterprises to carry out the process of Customs law.

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In order to build the Customs-Business partnership effectively, the General Department of Vietnam Customs is also consulting enterprises to implement the plan. This is an opportunity for enterprises to raise their voice on Customs reform and modernization. The contents of the survey for enterprises shall focus on the following issues, reform of institutional policies, simplification of Customs procedures, implementation of electronic Customs clearance systems, and the management measures of Customs authorities. Also, Customs authorities note comments of the business community to meet the expectations of enterprises and relevant units.

Thank you!