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

A majority of participants shared view that tax and customs procedures have been simplified over the past time, however, they noted that 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 to implement customs regulations while 37 percent others found fairly difficult to implement. A mere 2.4 percent said it was a tough task.
 
Notably, most of responded private local enterprises said they have met no difficulties in following customs and tax regulations. Those ticked it as “fairly difficult to follow” accounted for 34 percent compared to nearly 39 percent answered by State and foreign partners.

Participants also pointed out that one of reasons for slow customs clearance was mainly due to technical faults. Participants suggested improvements in procedures, training and information technology should be enhanced.

Deputy Finance Minister Do Hoang Anh Tuan acknowledged that the result of the above-mentioned survey has truly reflected the existing problems. The Deputy Finance Minister also affirmed that recent tax and customs reforms have helped boosting trade activities and creating a better business environment for businesses.

VCCI Vice President Pham Gia Tuc stressed that finance and tax agencies have always treated enterprises as their business partners and provided supportive policies for businesses to develop in a sustainable manner.-VNA