Officials of Xa Mat Customs Branch, Tay Ninh Customs Department inspect export goods. Photo: T.D

Import and export activities recover

According to the Tay Ninh Customs Department, the total import-export value in the first eight months of 2024 reached over US$11.8 billion, a 12.7% increase compared to the same period last year. Exports accounted for over US$6.3 billion, up 13%, while imports reached US$5.5 billion, increasing by 12.3%. Notably, the export value of taxable goods surged by a significant 651.1%, and the import value of taxable goods increased by 21.3% year-on-year.

This strong performance in import-export activities has significantly contributed to the Tay Ninh Customs Department exceeding its state budget revenue collection target ahead of schedule. As of the end of August, the department had collected VND1,246.95 billion, a 24.89% increase year-on-year, reaching 113.36% of the assigned target.

Deputy Director of the Tay Ninh Customs Department, Vo Thanh Ngoan, attributed the increased state budget revenue to the stabilization of production and business activities of enterprises in the province. This indicates positive signs of recovery in import-export activities and the steady growth of the local economy. In particular, tax revenue from the department's key commodities in 2024 increased by 23.6% compared to the same period in 2023. For example, rubber products saw a 31.09% increase, reaching VND253.27 billion, while machinery, equipment, and other parts increased by 13.18% to VND260.88 billion. Other notable increases were seen in textiles, cotton, plastic products, fabrics and chemicals. Notably, plastic raw materials hit a record 379.68%, reaching VND 36.36 billion compared to the same period.

Continuing to accompany businesses

Beyond the positive external factors driving the recovery of import-export activities, it's important to acknowledge the department's significant efforts in implementing effective, flexible, and coordinated solutions to boost revenue collection.

The department has consistently adhered to government policies and regulations related to import-export and border crossing, ensuring strict compliance with legal requirements and industry procedures. They have diligently gathered information and monitored the situation to effectively support efforts to combat smuggling, drug trafficking, commercial fraud, counterfeit goods, and implement risk management and post-clearance audits.

The department has always been supportive of businesses and individuals involved in import-export activities, actively listening to their concerns and addressing issues promptly. They have reported challenges beyond their authority to the General Department of Vietnam Customs for timely resolution, ensuring smooth customs procedures.

Le Quoc Vuong, a representative of YKK Vietnam Company (Nhon Trach Industrial Park, Dong Nai), a frequent exporter through the Xa Mat border gate, praised the efficient and streamlined customs procedures at the Tay Ninh Customs Department, especially the Xa Mat Customs Branch, which has significantly reduced clearance times. He also commended the customs officials for their enthusiasm in guiding businesses through the necessary procedures and promptly addressing legal and procedural issues.

Despite achieving positive results, Deputy Director Vo Thanh Ngoan emphasized that the department will not rest on its laurels but will use these achievements as motivation to strive for even greater success in the remaining months of 2024. The department will continue to focus on debt collection and recovery, implementing effective measures to collect outstanding tax debts and offering debt relief, write-offs, and penalty reductions to eligible cases in accordance with the Law on Tax Management.

The department will also conduct thorough tax reviews for goods with potential risks in terms of pricing, tax rates, and origin to ensure accurate and complete revenue collection.

Furthermore, the department will successfully implement the 2024 customs control plan and the General Department of Vietnam Customs's specialized programs on combating smuggling, trade fraud, counterfeit goods, illegal transportation of goods, drug trafficking, and precursor chemicals across the border. They will guide and encourage customs units to effectively implement customs control measures, assess business procedures according to regulations, and maintain close cooperation with relevant agencies such as border guards, police, and market management to share information, detect, apprehend, and prosecute violators, contributing to market stability, domestic production, and drug prevention efforts.