Head of HCM City's Customs Department Dinh Ngoc Thang (Source: VNA)HCM City (VNA) - The Ho Chi Minh City Customs Department has beenimplementing a number of measures to help the local business community optimisethe benefits to be had from the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and boostimport-export activities.
Speaking at a seminar held jointly by thedepartment and the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham) onOctober 6, head of the department Dinh Ngoc Thang said the customs sector viewsthe trade agreement as being able to create breakthroughs in export activitiesand expand supply chains between Vietnam and the EU.
The department has therefore introduced a hostof measures to support local enterprises. Prior to the deal coming into force, forexample, it held intensive training for businesses and dialogue with UK and EUbusinesses in Vietnam, to help resolve any and all difficulties.
It has also given focus to improving thecapacity of its staff and stepped up the application of information technologyto meet the more stringent requirements, Thang said.
He affirmed that the department is willing to hearfrom businesses regarding import-export management policies, tax policies, andcustoms procedures, so as to promptly handle any difficulties facing businessesand create a fair and transparent business and investment climate.
Standing Vice Chairman of the HCM City People’sCommittee, Le Thanh Liem, said the EU is one of Vietnam’s most importanteconomic partners.
Amid COVID-19, the EVFTA will open up morecooperation opportunities between the two sides and serve as a new driver helpingthem overcome difficulties brought about by global economic changes.
EuroCham Vice President Jean Jacques Bouflethailed the efforts made by the HCM City Customs Department to facilitatebilateral trade and support the enforcement of the EVFTA.
He said EuroCham considers the customs sector tobe its biggest partner in boosting bilateral trade, as more than half of all goodsshipped between the EU and Vietnam currently pass through HCM City border gatesand ports./.
VNA
