HCM city Customs Department to move in suitable direction towards Digital Customs

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Deputy Director Do Thanh Quang (center) and officers at the 2023 WCO Technology Conference and Exhibition in Ha Noi.

As the local customs department managing and processing customs processing for imports and exports, how does HCM City Customs apply information technology in customs performance?

Over the past years, HCM City Customs Department has been a pioneer in applying information technology in customs control and internal administration; given initiatives and shared experiences to develop and enhance efficiency in customs management; offered solutions for administrative reform and trade facilitation, improvement of investment environment, and enhancement of business satisfaction.

Customs officers of HCM City Customs Department have effectively and professionally run customs systems such as VNACCS/VCIS, Ecargo-VASSCM, Risk management information system, E-Manifest system, Customs offence management system, Import-export statistical system...

Could you tell us about the successful implementation of cutting-edge IT application projects and programs by HCM City Customs Department over the past time?

The city department has actively developed and run IT applications in customs control and enforcement to support the specialized work. The department has implemented the integrated application modules on the HCAS internal management system in digitizing and electronic processes of document management and operations administration, monitoring conclusions of leaders at all levels and monthly assessment and classification for officers, e-management of leave of officers; provided professional support for officers in areas: product policies, classification and analysis, risk management, goods storage, settlement reports, supervision of declaration status at all customs processes.

The department has successfully executed major projects such as a trade facilitation project, customs procedures in logistics activities and preventing congestion of import and export goods at Cat Lai Port, a Project on applying 4.0 technology in performance assessment and classification for officers, ….

Under the theme “Embracing the Digital Age: Leveraging Technology, Fostering Innovation, and Nurturing the Next Generation of Customs Professionals”, the 2023 WCO Technology Conference and Exhibition has been successfully organized. What do you think about the digital transformation of Vietnam Customs as well as HCM City Customs?

The 2023 WCO Technology Conference and Exhibition hosted by Vietnam Customs for the first time is a historic event for the Customs sector, raising Vietnam’s position to new heights. The opening ceremony is a meaningful performance imbued with the cultural identity, attracting international participants.

As the host country of the 2023 WCO Technology Conference and Exhibition, Director General Department of Vietnam Customs Nguyen Van Can successfully led the first dialogue session that showed the host country's deep understanding of the importance of applying innovative technology to face challenges of global trade, discussed how innovation and technology deployment can attract the new generation to the customs profession as well as source of professional pride in Customs.

Notably, new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and big data... have been introduced at the conference, helping to identify the benefits and barriers of technology application in customs operations. The participation of leading technology providers and technology introductions from experts helps us approach and have a basis to propose to the Government and the Ministry of Finance to apply new technology in customs management.

The conference is also an opportunity for Vietnam Customs to strengthen cooperation with Customs administrations of other countries, international organizations, and leading technology operators. The knowledge, experience, initiative, and solutions shared at the Conference will help Vietnam Customs as well as HCM City Customs Department have appropriate directions in the process of customs modernization towards Digital Customs and Smart Customs.

In your opinion, what solutions will HCM City Customs deploy to grasp opportunities and develop customs in the digital era?

The conference helps us learn from the world's experience, knowledge, science, and advanced technology that has been applied effectively in Customs management by developed countries around the world.

Therefore, HCM City Customs Department implements the following solutions:

The department promotes research and mastery of key technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and gradually applies state management of customs such as: Internet of Things (IoT), big data, business intelligence (BI), mobility, blockchain, Cloud, and artificial intelligence (AI).

Promote communication, raise digital awareness, increase interaction with people and businesses; ensure sustainability and good governance in the technology application process;

Identifying the human factor at the heart of the digital transformation process in the customs sector, improving the quality of human resources to exploit the power of technology, and coping with emerging challenges of global trade;

Promote the training and fostering of human resources, creating pride in the customs operation; effectively apply technology in screening, surveillance cameras, image analysis, goods classification, risk management, inspection, supervision, anti-smuggling control, anti-counterfeit goods, and detection of drugs, weapons...

Currently, 99% of imported and exported goods have been automatically cleared by Customs. Of which 65% of goods are processed within 1-3 seconds, 30% of goods are cleared in 5-10 minutes, and 2-5% of goods are cleared in 1-2 hours. It is necessary to apply AI in the customs clearance process to warn of risks, prevent smuggling, and create favorable conditions while still ensuring strict management.

To do this, the Department proposes the General Department of Vietnam Customs attract young professional officers to prepare the next generation of Customs professionals, contributing to the Customs sector and to the country.

Thank you so much!