By A Staff Reporter
Kathmandu, Jan. 27: Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel has said that the support of the private sector was essentail to control the leakage of the customs department and improve customs administration as well.
Addressing the 69th International Customs Day on Tuesday, he said that the department and the private sector should cooperate with each other to control leakage and minimise under invoicing.
The day was marked with a slogan ‘Customs Bolstering Recovery, Renewal and Resilience for a Sustainable Supply Chain’.
The customs department and the private sector are two sides of the same coin, he said, adding that it was necessary to look at the problem from time to time.
"We need to look at the problems facing the private sector and the existing problems in the customs system," Paudel said.
He also mentioned that the customs department should play a supportive role in resolving the genuine problems of the entrepreneurs.
Paudel urged the Department of Customs to make the customs technology-friendly by adopting the world class customs system as the Ministry of Finance will always be ready to support in this regard.
He expressed happiness over the regularity of the supply chain by the Customs Department even during the global crisis caused by COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking on the occasion, the Finance Minister said that an advanced electoral system was needed in the country. As the country was moving towards elections, some people have raised question after question. But an electoral system is needed, he said.
Secretary at the Ministry of Finance Sishir Kumar Dhungana lauded the work done by the customs administration to strengthen the supply chain in the awkward situation of COVID-19.
Stating that the attitude of the private sector towards the customs administration has changed radically today, he directed the customs to make itself capable and strong by using the technology.
Secretary at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies Baikuntha Aryal said that the work of customs reform was continuing and it was the most technology-friendly and modern body among the government agencies.
He said that various actions and discussions have been held to facilitate import and export.
He also said that special discussions are underway to open the northern border.
Aryal informed that discussions will be held with India to set up Bhairahawa and Birgunj integrated check posts.
Revenue Secretary Ram Sharan Pudasaini directed the customs administration and the private sector to work together to fulfil the objectives of the customs while the customs administration should continue to cooperate with the private sector to make itself efficient and capable.
President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) Shekhar Golchha said that readymade goods and raw materials should be managed from two levels as per the WTO rules.
According to him, there are many problems in the export check pass now which should be eased.
"Currently, there is a problem of spending about 11 hours at the customs pass," Golchha said, adding that "this problem should be solved to make it easier for businessmen."
President of Nepal Chamber of Commerce Rajesh Kazi Shrestha demanded that e-payment system should be introduced as soon as the Nepal National Single Window System is implemented.
He also said that Value Added Tax should be reduced from 13 per cent to 10 per cent and income tax should be reduced.