Enterprises seeking further reduction in customs red tape
Despite efforts to hasten administrative reforms, there is still room for further reduction in customs procedures, and businesses expect more simplification.
Hanoi (VNA) -Despite efforts to hasten administrative reforms, there is still rꦜoom for further reduction in customs procedures, and businesses expect more simplification.
A report on the business satisfaction with the customs administrative procedures launched on November 12 revealed that 82 percent of the more than 3,000 surveyed firms said that they expected customs administrative procedures to be further simplified and service quality to be enhanced.
Although as many as 94 percent of firms viewed changes in customs policies and regulations as positive, a significant 58 percent said they encountered difficulties in conducting customs procedures.
Notably, 28 percent of respondent businesses said they have to pay unofficial charges to complete customs procedures in Vietnam, down from the rate of 57 percent in 2012, and 49 percent in 2013. The report also revealed that 37 percent of the respondents said that they did not pay unofficial customs fees, while 35 percent were unaware of these fees.
The survey found that a majority of businesses rated the level of compliance of customs officers with regulations as "normal".
According to the Chairman of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) Vu Tien Loc, the result of customs administrative procedures remained far below expectations of businesses, and called for enhanced cooperation among relevant agencies to hasten the process.
Nguyen Hoai Nam, Deputy General Secretary of the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers, said specialised checks were complicated, and would burden firms.
Do Hoang Anh Tuan, Deputy Minister of Finance, said customs reforms contributed towards boosting the import-export turnover to more than 302 billion USD in the past 10 months.
Tuan added that the regulations about checks on quality and food hygiene and safety in import and export, which currently accounted for more than 72 percent of time for customs clearance, were to be amended in an effort the reduce the rates.
In addition, the customs sector would continue to upgrade the e-customs system. On December 5, the one-door customs system would be put into operation in Hai Phong city.
The survey was conducted from April to June by VCCI, the General Department of Customs and the Vietnam Governance for Inclusive Growth (GIG) Programme, which is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
The findings were expected to help identify appropriate measures to promote customs administrative reforms.-VNA
A dialogue was held on June 26 in Ho Chi Minh City between domestic enterprises working in the city’s export processing and industrial zones and several involved bodies concerning governmental regulation and tax policies.
The Vietnam Automated Cargo and Port Consolidated System/ Vietnam Customs Information System (VNACCS/VCIS) is operating in a stable manner in all branches of the Hanoi Customs Department.
Businesses expect further improvements in customs clearance to promote management efficiency while creating convenience in cross border trade, a conference heard on November 3.
The festival marks a significant milestone in promoting the brand, value, and legacy of traditional fish sauce - a product deeply rooted in the island’s identity and history spanning over 200 years.
According to Mastercard data, Vietnam has recorded a remarkable 92% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in contactless transaction volume from Q4 2022 to Q4 2024.
Tuan expressed his confidence that LH, with its expertise and experience, would swiftly implement the urban area project, contributing to a modern urban landscape for the province.
With its strategic location, abundant workforce, and modern infrastructure, Vietnam holds significant potential to become a leading centre for power and electronics production in the region and the world.
The renewable energy workforce training and development centre, invested by Germany's GEO Group, is expected to be a cornerstone in shaping Binh Dinh as a renewable energy and innovation hub in central Vietnam, meeting the growing demand for skilled technical personnel in offshore wind, solar farms, and green hydrogen projects.
A notable trend is the shift toward satellite regions. With land scarcity and soaring prices in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, investors are eyeing provinces like Hung Yen, Bac Ninh, and Hai Phong, which are benefiting from improved technical infrastructure and transport connectivity.
To further strengthen private-sector innovation, Bac Ninh plans to accelerate administrative reforms, build a digital, service-oriented government, and develop an integrated innovation ecosystem that connects businesses with domestic and international institutions, universities, and experts.
The participation of H&M, one of the world's largest fashion corporations, in Vietnam International Sourcing 2025 in Ho Chi Minh City in early September is considered a special highlight, opening up many cooperation opportunities for Vietnamese businesses in the fashion, textiles and sustainable supply chains.
This latest order builds on a previous agreement signed at the Singapore Airshow last year for 40 engines, bringing the total number of Trent 7000 engines ordered by the airline to 80.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien acknowledged that despite concerted efforts by ministries and local authorities in combating fake and substandard goods, the situation remains highly complicated, attributing the persistent challenges to high profits luring numerous participants, increasingly sophisticated violations, limited resources within enforcement agencies.
The group also placed among the Top 5 energy companies in Southeast Asia and secured the top spot among the largest Vietnamese enterprises featured on the list.
The zone will cover 1,881 ha, comprising functional areas for production, logistics, trade and services, digital technology industry, information technology, and innovation.
Dung underlined several key objectives, including a comprehensive review of the legal framework governing SOEs, and called for updates that reflect international standards and support modern, transparent governance.
While the US market has become more difficult to access due to new tax policies, Australia could play the role of a trade cushion, helping to reduce shocks and maintain export momentum for Vietnam's shrimp industry.
Vietnam Cycle Expo 2025 will coincide with the Vietnam Sport Show 2025, an international exhibition on sports and outdoor entertainment, expected to attract more than 20,000 visitors in the three-day event.
(Photo: ndh.vn)
