Hanoi (VNA) – Businesses have expressed theirhope that customs agencies and relevant ministries and sectors will further simplifyadministrative procedures, which, they suggested, should be completely handled online,according to a survey.    

The survey was conducted in 2020 among 3,657 firmsoperating in import-export, production, outsourcing, processing and logistics, amongothers, to find out their satisfaction with import-export administrative procedures.

Its results were announced at an online workshop heldby the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and the GeneralDepartment of Vietnam Customs, with the support of the US Agency forInternational Development (USAID), in Hanoi on July 15.

VCCI Chairman Vu Tien Loc said Vietnam’s export and import have still made noted achievements despite the impact of COVID-19 and the disruptedglobal trade as from 2020.

The country’s total export-import value last year reached545.3 billion USD, up 5.3 percent year-on-year, he cited figures from theGeneral Statistics Office (GSO). In the first half of this year, the numberstood at 316.73 billion USD, a rise of 32.2 percent from the same period lastyear.

The figures reflect great efforts of domestic firmsamidst a range of challenges caused by the pandemic, Loc stressed.

The interviewed businesses suggested increasing publicityand transparency in the implementation of administrative procedures, upgradingthe infrastructure system, and raising the capacity of officials.

Customs agencies and relevant ministries and sectors shouldbetter coordinate in this regard to create optimal conditions for enterprisesto complete export-import procedures, they said.
 
According to Hoang Viet Cuong, deputy head of theGeneral Department of Vietnam Customs, the businesses better evaluated the informationprovided by customs agencies, and were more satisfied with agencies’ responseto their concern.

Dau Anh Tuan, head of the VCCI’s Legal Department,said the businesses lauded reforms in the customs sector and its improved servicequality, notably positive changes in the inspection and management work.

They also suggested better coordination betweencustoms agencies and concerned ministries and sectors, and stressed the need toensure consistency and stability in building and realising policies and laws.

USAID/Vietnam Mission Director Ann Marie Yastishock applaudedcoordination between the Ministry of Finance and the VCCI and the GeneralDepartment of Vietnam Customs in conducting the survey and releasing its outcomes.

The USAID wishes to continue its cooperation with theVietnamese agencies to tighten the links between the Government and the privatesector to consolidate the policy making and law enforcement in the time ahead,she said./.