The Ministry of Finance in conjunction with Vietnam Chamber of Commerceand Industry (VCCI) held a dialogue on customs and tax policies withVietnamese businesses in Hanoi on October 30 to answer questions andhear feedback from business circle relating to tax, customs procedures.

A majority of participants shared view that tax and customsprocedures have been simplified over the past time, however, they notedthat it is advisable to do more to step up their pace of reforms.

About 60 percent of surveyed firms said they have found it easy toimplement customs regulations while 37 percent others found fairlydifficult to implement. A mere 2.4 percent said it was a tough task.
 
Notably, most of responded private local enterprises said they havemet no difficulties in following customs and tax regulations. Thoseticked it as “fairly difficult to follow” accounted for 34 percentcompared to nearly 39 percent answered by State and foreign partners.

Participants also pointed out that one of reasons for slowcustoms clearance was mainly due to technical faults. Participantssuggested improvements in procedures, training and informationtechnology should be enhanced.

Deputy Finance Minister DoHoang Anh Tuan acknowledged that the result of the above-mentionedsurvey has truly reflected the existing problems. The Deputy FinanceMinister also affirmed that recent tax and customs reforms have helpedboosting trade activities and creating a better business environment forbusinesses.

VCCI Vice President Pham Gia Tuc stressed thatfinance and tax agencies have always treated enterprises as theirbusiness partners and provided supportive policies for businesses todevelop in a sustainable manner.-VNA