Quang Ninh Customs Department regularly organizes dialogues with businesses, focusing on removing difficulties. Photo: Q. Hùng

Proactive listening initiatives

In 2024, the Customs sector has actively supported businesses alongside its efforts to modernize and reform procedures. According to the Legal Affairs Department, dialogues and meetings with businesses are not only routine activities but also serve as an effective means to disseminate and update key legal information.

Through these interactions, the Customs authority aims to help the business community better understand and comply with customs regulations. Furthermore, it enables the timely resolution of issues, strengthening the partnership between Customs and businesses in implementing and adhering to the law.

The Lang Son Customs Department exemplifies this approach by employing various methods to address and resolve business concerns related to customs policies and regulations. Annually, from district to provincial levels, Lang Son Customs organizes regular dialogue conferences with the business community. Beyond these meetings, the department also establishes and participates in working groups with the Lang Son People’s Committee to visit enterprises, listen to their concerns, and thoroughly resolve emerging issues.

For instance, on March 26 and 27, 2024, senior officials from the Lang Son Customs Department joined a delegation led by Doan Thanh Son, Vice Chairman of the Lang Son People’s Committee, to visit and work with nine major enterprises based in Hanoi, Hai Phong, and Hung Yen. These companies conduct import-export activities through Lang Son’s border checkpoints.

Nguyen Vu Tru, Director of VIMID Investment and Development Joint Stock Company, commended these proactive measures, emphasizing that regular dialogue and collaboration between authorities and businesses allow for prompt issue resolution, reflecting the commitment of all parties involved.

Similarly, Hoang Anh Tuan, Deputy Director of Viet Trung Co., Ltd. (based in Hai Duong), noted that customs officials now provide immediate guidance whenever businesses encounter difficulties during procedures. This approach significantly reduces waiting times, which previously required scheduling dialogue sessions, and ensures timely support for businesses to meet delivery deadlines.

Continuous improvement of policies

To promptly identify and address issues related to customs operations, the Customs authority prioritizes administrative reform, digital transformation, and enhancing the efficiency of professional activities. These efforts aim to create favorable conditions for import-export activities, driving businesses to thrive and contribute to economic growth.

In line with Resolution 01/NQ-CP from the Government, the Customs sector continues to review, amend, and improve legal documents governing customs operations to meet modern management demands. This approach enhances the business environment and strengthens national competitiveness.

Ongoing efforts include revising regulations under Decree No. 08/2015/ND-CP, detailing customs procedures, inspection, supervision, and control; draft decrees on customs management for goods traded through e-commerce.

Simultaneously, the Customs authority is preparing submissions to the Ministry of Finance for the issuance of amendments to Circulars 38/2015/TT-BTC and 39/2018/TT-BTC; revisions to Circular 50/2018/TT-BTC, detailing declaration requirements for air, sea, rail, road, and river transportation; a pilot circular on customs management for goods transshipped between ports and storage areas in the Cai Mep container cluster.

Importantly, the Customs authority is fully committed to implementing administrative reform tasks as planned, urging internal units to review and propose simplifications for internal procedures during the 2022–2025 period.

The Legal Affairs Department encourages businesses to actively contribute ideas and solutions for developing, amending, and supplementing laws related to taxation and customs. These contributions ensure that legal documents are feasible, transparent, fair, easy to understand, and straightforward to implement. The mutual understanding and cooperation between Customs authorities and businesses are essential for the effective implementation of policies and obligations. Together, they work towards the shared goal of facilitating trade and contributing to Vietnam’s socio-economic development.