The Conference scene. Photo: Hong Nu.

Attendees of the annual Policy Dialogue Conference on Tax and Customs Administrative Procedures in 2023 included Deputy Minister of Finance Cao Anh Tuan, VCCI Chairman Pham Tan Cong, Deputy General Director of Customs Hoang Viet Cuong, Deputy General Director of Taxation Dang Ngoc Minh, and Deputy Head of the Department for Management and Supervision of Tax Policies, Fees, and Charges (Ministry of Finance) Truong Ba Tuan, along with more than 600 businesses and representatives from various units of the Ministry of Finance, the General Department of Taxation, and the General Department of Customs.

In his opening speech, Mr. Pham Tan Cong, VCCI Chairman, mentioned that the dialogue conference was organized to assist in resolving emerging issues affecting the operations of businesses. It aimed to listen to opinions and suggestions to continue enhancing the administrative procedure reform, legal documents system to ensure effective state management and create favorable conditions for businesses to complete procedures quickly, simply, and economically when fulfilling their requirements and obligations to the state.

Mr. Pham Tan Cong delivers the opening speech at the conference. Photo: Hong Nu.

According to Mr. Pham Tan Cong, after a year of facing many unusual and extremely challenging economic and business fluctuations together, this conference serves as a checkpoint, providing a platform for exchange and sharing on issues and challenges in 2023. The goal is to collectively prepare for a more favorable and successful 2024.

"On behalf of the nationwide business community and entrepreneurs, we would like to acknowledge, appreciate, and highly commend the determination and efforts of the Ministry of Finance, the Tax sector, and the Customs sector in accompanying and supporting businesses to maintain and restore their production and business activities during a difficult period. This is especially noteworthy considering the significant market fluctuations both domestically and internationally, particularly after the Covid-19 pandemic," shared Mr. Pham Tan Cong.

At the same time, Mr. Cong also expressed gratitude to the entire staff of the Tax and Customs sectors for their efforts and responsibility in creating conditions for the business community's production and business activities.

Pham Tan Cong emphasized that the numerous innovations by the Ministry of Finance and the two General Departments of Taxation and Customs have indeed reduced the burden on businesses. This includes administrative procedure reforms, the vigorous application of information technology, modernization of sector activities, implementation of automated customs mechanisms, and seamless coordination with administrative entities. These efforts have significantly simplified procedures, shortened time and resources, effectively controlled processes, and laid the foundation for businesses to successfully complete procedures, reduce costs, and fulfill their obligations to the state.

Many activities of the agencies under the Ministry of Finance in the field of Tax and Customs have used the satisfaction of businesses as a measure to assess the capabilities and effectiveness of the agencies. Various forms of promotional, instructional, and informative activities have been implemented, including on television and through dialogue conferences with the business community on specific topics and at different levels within the management system. These activities continue to demonstrate a demand for and a commitment to innovation in their operations.

More than 600 businesses participated in the conference. Photo: Hong Nu.

VCCI leadership also mentioned their feedback at the 2023 conference. In the field of Tax, many businesses reflected on procedures for value-added tax refunds, electronic invoicing, regulations on local tax filing for businesses operating in multiple provinces, ensuring credibility for businesses when dealing with delayed tax payments, new provisions on consolidated tax debts for businesses, and changes in regulations related to individual construction projects.

In the Customs field, several businesses raised concerns about the processing time for electronic procedures, the issuance of permits for raw material imports, customs duty refunds, suggestions to reduce the time for importing tax refunds, recommendations regarding the clear definition of the frequency of cargo inspections, and proposals for mechanisms for value-added tax refunds for export-oriented businesses.

Furthermore, businesses have put forth several other proposals related to the review and ensuring fairness in the application of tax policies among businesses belonging to different economic sectors. They expressed concerns about various forms of inspections causing difficulties for businesses. The recommendations include urging the Ministry of Finance to review and extend policies of exemptions, reductions, and tax payment extensions, as well as rent and fee exemptions and reductions until the end of 2024. They also suggested reviewing new tax refund procedures, enhancing non-customs measures, and improving coordination mechanisms between the Tax and Customs sectors and other administrative agencies.

VCCI leadership emphasized that the discussions and dialogues at today's conference are not only aimed at resolving specific cases or individual businesses but also hold value for the future business practices of enterprises. The approach taken by the Tax and Customs authorities is geared towards the common goal of creating convenience for businesses.

This practical implementation aligns with the directives and orientations outlined in Resolution No. 41 of the Politburo, issued on October 10, 2023, aiming to "create a favorable, safe, and equal investment and business environment for business development and contribution."