Vietnam Customs deserts to embrace technology

	Embracing the Digital Age: Leveraging Technology, Fostering Innovation, and Nurturing the Next Generation of Customs Professionals
	Five key roles of Vietnam Customs in the 2023 WCO Technology Conference and Exhibition

Speakers at online talkshow with theme “Customs technology and the next generation of Customs Professionals” held by Customs Magazine on October 3. Photo: H.N

Opportunity to learn and exchange experiences

According to Deputy Director of the International Cooperation Department (under the General Department of Vietnam Customs) Nguyen Thi Viet Nga, Vietnam Customs is one of the first countries in ASEAN to host the WCO annual event. This shows the active role and responsibility in multilateral and bilateral cooperation within the WCO framework.

Deputy Director Nguyen Thi Viet Nga also said that the theme of the year’s conference is consistent with the Customs Development Strategy by 2030 of Vietnam Customs with the goal of building the digital Customs, Smart Customs model. At this major conference, Vietnam Customs will also have the opportunity to share experiences as well as approach new technology and introduce Vietnam Customs’ great efforts in customs reform and modernization, application of latest technology and customs control and supervision”

According to Ms. Nguyen Thi Khanh Hong, former representative of Vietnam Customs and WCO technical officer, the WCO’s selection of Vietnam as the host country for the 2023 WCO Technology Conference and Exhibition has brought honor to Vietnam Customs as well as the country. Therefore, the successful organization of the conference not only strengthens Vietnam’s strategic political position in the international arena but also opens up an opportunity for Vietnam Customs to affirm the role of the Customs administration in the region and the world.

This is the first time that Vietnam Customs hosts the WCO biggest global event with the participation of WCO leaders as well as leaders from other Customs authorities, and leading technology providers. In the context of implementing the goal of Digital Customs and the Smart Customs model, the approach of the latest technology as well as practices and experiences of customs administrations will help Vietnam Customs catch up with the strong technology development trend.

The conference will provide opportunity to Vietnam Customs to introduce great efforts in customs modernization and IT application to achieve the goal of digital transformation and development of Smart Customs, contributing to improving image of Vietnam Customs. The hosting of the event will also open up opportunities for Vietnam Customs and Vietnam's technology providers to learn and exchange experience with other countries.

Actively promoting cooperation

At the online talk show, Deputy Director Nguyen Thi Viet Nga said that in terms of multilateral cooperation, Vietnam Customs is an active in ASEAN and other organizations such as GMS and APEC. In bilateral cooperation, Vietnam Customs has been cooperated and supported by Customs agencies of advanced countries in the world in the customs modernization and reform.

In addition to the assistance of multilateral organizations, the support from Japanese, US, UK, Chinese Customs administrations in the first stages of Vietnam Customs implementing customs modernization is extremely valuable. Japan Customs not only gives strong support in terms of machinery and technology to Vietnam Customs, but also assists in training for thousands of customs officers to access and use of modern technology.

In addition, 2019 marked a milestone in the US Customs and Vietnam Customs ties at a new level with the signing of Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement between the US Government and Vietnam Government. Currently, the US Customs is the only agency that has signed a government-level agreement in Customs area. The two sides have exchanged information to prevent violations related to trade fraud, origin, drugs, anti-dumping.

In the process of digital transformation and customs supervision, recently, Korea Customs has connected and shared e-C/O with Vietnam Customs aiming to facilitate international trade and achieve highest efficiency. In addition, Australian Customs has assisted Vietnam Customs in sharing experience in applying and training technology for Customs officers.

Motivated by the desire to embrace technology, Vietnam Customs has made great efforts and promoted training for Customs officers. The technology innovation and application in the Customs field.

The 2023 WCO Technology Conference and Exhibition will have about 50 exhibition booths of sponsors and major global technology providers such as S2 Global; Accenture, Leidos, Webb Fontaine, Microsoft; Cargo X, Cargoes, Crimson Logic, GTS, GUUD International, Nexyte, NucTech, Publican, Rapiscan, Smiths Detection...