Vinh Customs officials enthusiastically guide businesses through procedures. Photo: H.Nụ

Remarkable revenue gains

As of October 31, 2024, Nghe An Customs reported revenue of VND 1,443.8 billion, surpassing 111% of the official target, reaching 108.81% of its aspirational goal, and marking an impressive 157.83% increase over the same period last year. This milestone has allowed Nghe An Customs to conclude its 2024 revenue mission two months ahead of schedule.

Notable contributors included firms such as Tan Viet Metal Science and Technology Co., Ltd. (VND 37.65 billion), Vuong Steel Co., Ltd. (VND 19.52 billion), Andromeda Vietnam Shoes Co., Ltd. (VND 18.83 billion), Hoa Sen Group JSC (nearly VND 17.8 billion), and Vietnam Electricity Group (over VND 12.5 billion), Hop Luc Electromechanical JSC (nearly VND 9 billion), TH Milk Food JSC (over VND 8.53 billion), Sabeco – Song Lam Packaging JSC (over VND 6.53 billion), Tuong An Vegetable Oil JSC (nearly VND 5.2 billion), and International Supply Chain JSC (over VND 4.32 billion).

Another standout achievement was Nghe An Customs’ success in tracking and managing tax debt. By categorizing debt and implementing collection measures, the department recovered over VND 10 billion in longstanding tax arrears, including debts dating back to 2003 and 2004.

Leading the revenue collection charge, Vinh Customs Branch once again played a crucial role. With a target of VND 939 million, the branch had reached VND 938 billion by October 31, nearly 100% of its assigned target.

Cua Lo Port Customs Branch also posted strong numbers. Assigned a target of VND 280 billion, with a stretch goal of VND 289 billion, the branch reported VND 401.4 billion in revenue, hitting 138.89% of its assigned target.

Explaining the reasons for the revenue increase, Deputy Head of Cua Lo Port Customs Nguyen Hong Trung pointed to imports of production materials—such as steel, aluminum for beverage cans, asphalt, and vegetable oil—as key contributors. He also noted substantial tax revenue from investment projects in the area, with over 19% of the branch’s total revenue coming from Tan Viet Metal Science and Technology Co., Ltd.

Meanwhile, at Nam Can International Border Gate Customs Branch, border trade slowdowns have impacted revenue collection in recent years. Despite these challenges, the branch achieved VND 102 billion in the first 10 months of 2024, hitting 106.12% of its target.

Proactive revenue strategy

Under Decision No. 1602/QD-TTg, issued by the Prime Minister on December 10, 2023, Nghe An’s import-export revenue target for 2024 was set at VND 1,300 billion, including VND 1,183 billion from VAT, VND 45 billion from export tax, VND 70 billion from import tax, VND 0.3 billion from environmental protection tax, and VND 1.5 billion from other sources.

Preparing for a complex and uncertain global landscape in 2024, Nghe An Customs proactively established revenue goals for its units to meet state budget objectives.

Deputy Director Nguyen Thanh Trung noted that from the year’s start, the department launched an array of strategies to ensure it hit its targets. To this end, Nghe An Customs developed a “revenue scenario” tailored to the province’s realities, prioritizing support for import-export enterprises and large-scale investment projects authorized by the province.

Additionally, the department regularly directed its units to identify new revenue sources and propose measures to increase revenue while preventing losses.

To reinforce state management and curb revenue loss, Head of the Technical Division Ho Sy Thang stated that Nghe An Customs intensified information collection and risk analysis to improve tax inspections. Customs officers were urged to scrutinize quantity, value, HS codes, and origin to secure accurate tax valuations.

Enhanced customs valuation and consultation during customs clearance and post-clearance audits targeted high-risk items and companies, resulting in a higher rejection rate for declared values on key products, contributing to the department’s anti-tax loss initiatives.

Driven by a determination to optimize revenue, Nghe An Customs set an ambitious new goal on October 16, raising its total revenue target to VND 1,500 billion across its units.