Officials of the Hon Gai Port Customs Branch (Quang Ninh Customs Department) inspect production and business activities at the enterprise's headquarters. Photo: Quang Ninh Customs

Multiple initiatives to draw in businesses

Quang Ninh Customs has prioritized close supervision, management, and continuous support for businesses, turning these activities into essential components of the Customs-Business Partnership Program.

Starting early in 2024, the department has implemented comprehensive action plans and measures to promote trade facilitation and ensure sustainable import-export activities. These measures include strict management at border checkpoints, strengthening clearance capacities, and enhancing the department’s competitiveness and administrative quality under the 2024 Customs Department Competitiveness Index (CDCI). In line with this, a CDCI task force has completed three rounds of surveys, reaching out to 555 businesses operating in the region (with a response rate of 57%, or 317 survey returns).

To bring directives to life, customs units under Quang Ninh Customs have established task forces that visited 80 businesses to offer support and guidance on import-export procedures. The department also organized 14 dialogue sessions (including two department-level and 12 branch-level meetings), directly resolving 58 issues raised by businesses.

Over the past two years, the Pilot Program to Encourage Voluntary Compliance has allowed customs units to assist businesses in addressing 71 issues and share 88 periodic informational documents with participating companies. The department’s Information Support Team for Enterprise (ISEC) sent legal updates to 5,634 businesses via email, while 151 posts on ISEC’s social media attracted 562,954 views.

A representative from Hon Gai Port Customs Branch noted that to attract and support businesses, officials are assigned to specific business groups, enabling focused assistance for streamlined import-export activities. The branch has also established a hotline to address issues 24/7, provided after-hours support on weekends and holidays, and maintained close ties with enterprises to monitor their operations. Targeted outreach programs have focused on new businesses in industrial zones, local enterprises registered in other provinces, and companies importing animal feed ingredients.

By October 31, 2024, Hon Gai Port Customs Branch’s revenue reached VND 6.224 trillion—141% of its target and 118% of its aspirational goal.

Notably, efforts to attract businesses yielded 176 new firms using customs services in the area, including 65 tax-paying companies contributing VND 326.67 billion in revenue.

Hon Gai is not alone; Cam Pha Port Customs Branch is also excelling in attracting, supporting, and accompanying businesses.

By November 10, 2024, Cam Pha Customs had added 22 new businesses, contributing VND 458 billion to the state budget.

Striving to meet year-end targets

As the year draws to a close, Quang Ninh Customs is ramping up efforts to fulfill its objectives and deliver results at the highest level. The department is prioritizing business support, addressing obstacles, and ensuring a fair, competitive environment for enterprises engaging in customs procedures.

Customs branches are proactively engaging with businesses to understand their import-export activities, resolve issues, and escalate concerns to relevant authorities if needed.

The department is following the roadmap outlined in the 2024 CDCI and Administrative Reform Plan, while enhancing customs control to effectively combat smuggling and illegal cross-border transport. Through active cooperation with the Police, Border Guard, and Market Surveillance, Quang Ninh Customs aims to strengthen anti-smuggling efforts, ensuring security and social order.