Officers of Hai Phong Customs Department. Photo: Quang Hung.

This is the task that the Party Committee of the General Department of Vietnam Customs stated in a Resolution on strengthening the leadership of the Party to improve the quality of human recourses, meeting the requirements of implementing the Vietnam Customs Development Strategy for 2021-2030.

Achieving positive results but obstacles remain

The Customs Development Strategy for 2021-203 has achieved positive results, creating a strong development for Vietnam Customs. Currently, the goals set out in the strategy have made breakthroughs, making Vietnam Customs one of the leading authorities in administrative reform, IT application and innovation of management methods, contributing to improving national competitiveness.

The personnel and organization of the Customs sector also has shown significant changes. The organizational apparatus has been strengthened in a streamlined, unified, effective and efficient manner. The functions, tasks, powers and organizational structure of the Customs units are specified, creating favorable conditions for the operation of Customs units at all levels, and meeting the requirements of Customs management.

The quality of Customs officers has been improved and standardized to meet operational requirements and master advanced technology and equipment, contributing to developing a modern and professional Vietnam Customs.

However, the personnel and organization of Vietnam Customs still has obstacles and shortcomings.

The contingent of customs officers is developed from many different sources and is not uniform in qualification. Currently, some officers still have limitations in foreign languages, information technology and operational skills. Their thinking and working methods still follow traditional methods, which cannot satisfy the requirements of modern customs management.

In recent years, the staff of the sector has been reduced at the request of the Government while increasing the workload, leading to the lack of staff to perform the task.

The training and development of human resource faces shortcomings. The assessment and analysis of training needs under the framework of working positions has not been implemented in a timely manner.

The criteria for assessment of efficiency and quality of using trained officers has not yet been issued.

Building the contingent of strategic customs officers

The development of staff and improvement of the quality of human resources, especially strategic officers is the key task of the Customs sector. This task must be implemented regularly and effectively.

The standardization and tightening of discipline are associated with building institutions, creating favorable conditions to promote innovation and creativity, protect officers who make breakthroughs for the common interests of the sector.

The assignment and decentralization are associated with the responsibility of officers. The inspection and supervision in performance is strengthened. Offences will be strictly handled.

The personnel reform is regularly implemented in accordance with the actual situation of the sector, each unit and the legal framework. The development of a contingent of Customs officers must derive from the requirements and tasks of each period, meeting the requirements of customs reform and modernization.

The innovation of leadership and management methods on personnel must be attached with the strengthening of the organizational apparatus of Customs in a streamlined and effective manner.

Strengthening the leadership role of the Party, creating improvements in the awareness and actions of all leaders and committees at all levels in the Customs sector and of each Party member and customs officer. Performing with high political determination and promoting the initiative and synergy of the contingent of Customs officers, especially the head of the unit.

Implementing effective solutions to successfully fulfill the tasks to improve the quality of human resources and meet the requirements of implementing the Vietnam Customs Development Strategy for 2021-2030.