Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang: Facilitating trade, ensuring national security, and preventing budget losses

Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang

Despite global uncertainties in 2024, Vietnam's economy achieved several bright spots under the determined leadership of the Party, the Government, and the State. Key achievements include institutional improvements, macroeconomic stability, and controlled inflation. The nation’s total trade turnover, estimated at US$782.33 billion, reflects the significant contributions of the General Department of Vietnam Customs.

The Customs sector has made remarkable progress in its 2024 agenda, achieving several key outcomes:

First of all, revenue collection work achieved positive result contributing significantly in achieving the Ministry of Finance's financial and budgetary goals.

Secondly, regarding combating smuggling and trade fraud, as the Standing Agency of the Finance Ministry’s 389 Steering Committee, Customs has effectively coordinated with other agencies to detect and handle numerous violations, including major drug trafficking cases and international crime rings, ensuring national security and public safety.

Thirdly, Customs has successfully fulfilled its international commitments, particularly hosting the 33rd ASEAN Customs Directors-General Meeting in 2024, reinforcing Vietnam's position in the regional and global customs community.

Next, efforts have been directed toward strengthening organizational structures and maintaining discipline within the Customs sector.

The Customs sector has advanced IT applications, implementing the National Single Window and ASEAN Single Window, as well as developing digital customs systems.

Other important areas such as post-clearance audits, risk management, and internal inspections have also achieved notable progress.

To achieve these results, alongside the leadership and guidance of the Government and the Ministry of Finance, the General Department of Customs has consistently implemented solutions and measures to create a healthy and equitable environment. These efforts ensure social security, protect consumers, and facilitate trade, thereby unlocking resources to drive socio-economic development while maintaining strict oversight of import-export activities and increasing state budget revenue.

Looking ahead, the Customs sector aims to address challenges while simplifying procedures, enhancing anti-smuggling efforts, and achieving dual objectives: facilitating trade while ensuring national security and maximizing state budget revenue.

In 2025, Customs’ priorities will be focus on aligning with strategic directions which will adhere to the Party, Government, and Ministry of Finance’s strategies, implementing the Customs Development Strategy to 2030 and related modernization plans.

Furthermore, Customs will propose amendments to legal frameworks, ensuring alignment with organizational restructuring and addressing business concerns.

Additionally, the Customs sector is committed to rigorously implementing the reorganization and streamlining of its organizational structure in line with the directives of the Party, the Government, and the Ministry of Finance. The objective is to build a professional, modern Customs force capable of meeting the demands of reform and modernization in customs operations. The new structure must be operational immediately without interrupting ongoing work or affecting the routine activities of society and the general public.

During this process, special attention must be paid to raising awareness and guiding the mindset of officers, officials, and employees across all units within the sector. This ensures broad support, compliance, and adherence to the Party and Government's policy on organizational streamlining. The ultimate aim is to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the political system, aligning with the nation’s goals in the new era—a time of growth and national advancement.

Focusing on the Customs Sector’s Digital Transformation Plan to 2025, with Vision to 2030

Efforts will prioritize the effective implementation of the Customs sector's digital transformation plan. This includes advancing administrative reforms, modernizing customs operations, and continuing to facilitate business activities. Central to this initiative is the development and deployment of an Information Technology System for Digital Customs to meet operational requirements for customs clearance processes.

Research will focus on leveraging advancements from the Fourth Industrial Revolution to support the establishment of Digital and Smart Customs systems. The Customs sector must recognize digital transformation as both a goal and a key solution to building a professional, modern Vietnamese Customs force comparable to those in developed countries worldwide

Moreover, Customs will strengthen tax management, improve revenue collection, and combat budget losses effectively.

The Customs sector remains resolute and proactive in its efforts to combat smuggling and trade fraud, with a particular focus on drug prevention and control. It will continue to implement comprehensive and synchronized measures to safeguard national sovereignty, community security, and public safety while intensifying the fight against smuggling and fraudulent trade practices.

The Customs sector faces significant tasks in the coming period, requiring it to build on the achievements made, address existing limitations, and overcome shortcomings to meet its objectives. The Ministry of Finance is committed to providing the utmost support to the Customs sector, ensuring favorable conditions for fulfilling its responsibilities. The Ministry will also direct relevant units to collaborate closely with Customs to address challenges, resolve bottlenecks, and address pressing issues during the execution of assigned duties.