Vietnam Customs Takes Proactive Approach to Global Integration

Vietnam Customs is preparing for the WCO Technology Conference and Exhibition, which will take place in Hanoi in October 2023. This global conference will feature emerging technologies, focus on digital transformation, data analytics, artificial intelligence, blockchain, machine learning and the internet of things, which are topical and consistent with the priorities of Vietnam, including Vietnam Customs.

Vietnam is committed to building a modern customs sector that is on par with developed countries worldwide and leads the implementation of digital government, digital customs, and smart customs

The application of modern technology and digital transformation is one of the top priorities of the Government of Vietnam. In the customs sector, the Prime Minister’s Decision 628/QD-TTg dated May 20, 2022 on ratification of the Customs Development Strategy to 2030 also sets out basic goals of completing digital customs by 2025. The strategy aims to build an official modern customs sector for Vietnam that stands on par with developed countries in the world and leads the implementation of digital government, digital customs, and smart customs. This will help raise the quality of service to people and businesses that carry out customs procedures.

To move toward digital customs and smart customs, Vietnam Customs needs to apply new, smart customs technologies from advanced countries in the world. In 2023, Vietnam Customs was selected by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to host the WCO Technology Conference and Exhibition, one of the most important annual events of the WCO. This global conference is an opportunity to approach technological applications and innovations in the customs industry. Breakout sessions will delve into data analytics, artificial intelligence and advanced technologies, increased impacts of import and export flows transacted through e-commerce on customs procedures and processes.

 This global conference will be attended by WCO leaders, customs leaders of other WCO member countries, and leading tech firms. According to Vietnam Customs, with the  attendance of many international delegates, the conference will also be an opportunity to introduce and promote the famous landscapes and tourist attractions in Hanoi and in Vietnam to international friends.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Viet Nga, Deputy Director of the International Cooperation Department (under the General Department of Vietnam Customs), stated that the conference is an opportunity for Vietnam Customs to share its efforts to modernize and apply technology to digital transformation and smart customs, thus helping boost the image of Vietnam Customs. The conference hosting will also open up opportunities to exchange, learn and discuss experiences when customs authorities of other countries share their experiences in applying modern customs management technologies. At the exhibition, leading tech firms will introduce their cutting-edge security and safety control technologies that customs authorities in other countries are using to ensure the flow of trade as well as trade facilitation.

The conference will be chaired by the WCO Secretary General. Therefore, the General Department of Vietnam Customs asked the Ministry of Finance to report to the Prime Minister to approve the coordination with the WCO to host the event in Hanoi, scheduled to take place at the National Convention Center from October 10 to 12. Accordingly, the General Department of Vietnam Customs was assigned to coordinate in hosting the event.

In early 2023, representatives from the World Customs Organization (WCO) worked with Vietnam Customs on preparations for the WCO Technology Conference and Exhibition. Mr. Nguyen Van Tho, Deputy General Director of the General Department of Customs, stated that Vietnam Customs is carrying out the Customs Development Strategy to 2030 under which Vietnam Customs takes reform and modernization as the foundation, regards customs management modernization as the center, and accelerates digital transformation in the customs industry as a foundation for customs development in the new period. Therefore, the WCO Technology Conference and Exhibition 2023 is an opportunity for Vietnam Customs to approach related technologies and learn from high-tech application experiences from other countries and WCO.

By Le Hien, Vietnam Business Forum