Ba Ria - Vung Tau Customs: A strategic partner in business success

Procedure instructions for businesses at Cat Lo Customs Branch. Photo: T.L

Growth driven by customs support

At the 2024 year-end review and 2025 planning conference, Lieutenant Colonel Vu Hong Hung, Director of Tan Cang - Cai Mep Thi Vai Port (TCTT), acknowledged 2024 as a year filled with global uncertainties and economic instability. These challenges intensified competition among regional ports. However, thanks to relentless efforts and strong cooperation with regulatory authorities—particularly BR-VT Customs and the Cai Mep Border Gate Customs Branch—TCTT achieved impressive results.

A highlight of 2024 was the official opening of a connection gate between TCTT and Cai Mep International Terminal (CMIT) with approval from the Ministry of Transport and the General Department of Vietnam Customs. In the first phase, vessels and barges were allowed to move between the two ports, enhancing berth utilization and ensuring service quality commitments to shipping lines. This advancement enabled TCTT to achieve its annual production target by July 16, 2024—105 days ahead of schedule.

Projections for 2024 indicate that TCTT’s throughput will reach 1.07 million TEUs, exceeding 2023’s performance by 33% and marking its highest volume since the company’s inception nine years ago. The port's share of export-import containers reached nearly 17% in the Cai Mep area, up 1% from 2023. Revenue is expected to rise by 44.2% to VND 1.603 trillion, while pre-tax profits are anticipated to grow by 234% year-over-year.

Lieutenant Colonel Vu Hong Hung credited these achievements in part to BR-VT Customs’ initiatives, which optimized customs procedures, expedited clearance processes, and implemented advanced technologies such as electronic customs declarations, smart port management systems, and mobile container scanning equipment.

“These efforts have reduced customs processing times and streamlined cargo clearance, providing substantial benefits for businesses and customers. Such support has boosted competitiveness and attracted more vessels and cargo to Cai Mep Thi Vai,” emphasized Lieutenant Colonel Vu Hong Hung.

A notable example of effective customs collaboration is Sonion Vietnam II, a 100% foreign-invested company specializing in plastic and metal components for electronics and hearing aids. According to Nguyen Hue, the factory director, the company submitted nearly 3,000 import-export declarations in 2024, with exports valued at VND 668 billion and imports at VND 375 billion, contributing nearly VND 21 billion to the state budget.

Mr. Hue highlighted that the customs officers at Cat Lo Port Customs Branch provided detailed guidance, facilitating the import of four production lines to boost output. The BR-VT Customs Department also supported new operational declarations, enhancing revenue and tax contributions.

Reforms centered on businesses

The positive feedback and operational growth of these businesses underscore the effectiveness of BR-VT Customs’ administrative reforms and partnership approach. Recognizing administrative reform as a core objective, the department issued directives and plans early in the year to streamline procedures and enhance efficiency.

In 2024, BR-VT Customs signed cooperation agreements with four law-abiding import-export companies, raising the total to 32 participants in its partnership program. Additionally, six companies joined a voluntary compliance program, which delivered tangible benefits for both customs authorities and businesses. Notably, one company improved its compliance rating from level 3 to level 2, while another reduced its red channel inspection rate to nearly zero (2 out of 453 declarations).

Looking ahead, 2025 is expected to bring continued global economic volatility, impacting Vietnam’s economy. In response, BR-VT Customs plans to expand its customs-business partnership program by signing agreements with 2–4 more organizations. It will also extend support programs to encourage voluntary compliance.

Simultaneously, the department will further simplify administrative procedures, modernize operations, and ensure transparency to create a more favorable business environment. These reforms aim to strengthen national competitiveness and attract more businesses to handle customs procedures at Cai Mep - Thi Vai port cluster.