"Determination to build a modern and integrated Customs Region VIII"

After 80 years of construction and development, the Vietnam Customs sector is entering a new phase with the aspiration to rise to the level of advanced customs systems in the world, leading the process of building a digital government. Accompanying the whole sector, Quang Ninh Customs, now the Customs Branch of Region VIII, is also gradually affirming its pioneering role, contributing to realizing that goal. Reporters of Quang Ninh Newspaper, Radio and Television had a conversation with comrade Pham Quoc Hung, Head of the Customs Branch of Region VIII, to clarify the orientations and solutions that the unit has set in the new period.

Báo Quảng Ninh•05/09/2025

Comrade Pham Quoc Hung, Party Secretary, Head of Customs Branch Region VIII.

- Dear comrade, after 80 years of growth and development, Customs Region VIII is facing new requirements of innovation and integration. Together with the entire Customs sector, what solutions will the unit implement to contribute to realizing the above goal?

+ The Customs Development Strategy to 2030, approved by the Prime Minister in Decision 628/QD-TTg dated May 20, 2022, clearly defined: Building a modern Vietnam Customs, on par with the world, leading in the Digital Government with the Digital Customs and Smart Customs model. This is not only a strategic vision, but also a political mission of the entire industry in promoting economic development and ensuring national security.

That means that the customs authority does not only stop at the role of the agency controlling budget revenue and expenditure, but also becomes a pioneering force in creating a transparent, open and safe business environment, both creating maximum convenience for import and export activities and strictly and effectively controlling to prevent trade fraud, smuggling and risks affecting national security. A modern customs authority that strongly applies science and technology not only improves the effectiveness of state management, but also directly contributes to improving national competitiveness in the context of globalization and the 4.0 industrial revolution.

Customs officers at Hon Gai port supervise the loading and unloading of import and export goods at Cai Lan port.

In that spirit, Customs Region VIII has identified digital transformation and the application of science and technology as key solutions. All reform, integration and development plans revolve around this focus. Specifically, the unit will focus on the following major groups of tasks:

Firstly, raising awareness, renewing thinking, and affirming political determination on reform, modernization, and digital transformation. We consider thoroughly understanding and widely disseminating resolutions and directives of the Central Government, the Ministry of Finance, Quang Ninh province, and the Customs sector as a fundamental step to unify will, create consensus, and thereby turn determination into concrete actions.

Second, participate in reviewing and perfecting institutions, contributing to building a complete and transparent legal corridor for the implementation of Digital Customs and Smart Customs. This is an important premise for all activities to operate smoothly, legally and effectively.

Third, focus on investing in digital infrastructure and modern equipment. The goal is to gradually simplify and standardize customs procedures, moving towards a “paperless” trading environment. Technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data will be applied more vigorously, moving towards digitizing the entire business process.

Fourth, build a team of high-quality human resources with courage, knowledge and skills to meet the requirements of digital transformation. The dynamism and innovation of each customs officer will be the core to create collective strength.

Fifth, expand cooperation, enhance data sharing with industries and localities, contributing to the comprehensive digital transformation process of Quang Ninh province. At the same time, the unit also actively promotes international cooperation, especially with Nanning Customs (China), to exchange information, learn from experiences, thereby proposing appropriate models, promoting cross-border trade.

- It can be seen that the above orientations and solutions are both strategic and very specific. So what is the decisive factor for Customs Region VIII to be able to realize the set goals?

Professional activities at Mong Cai International Border Gate Customs.

+ I think the core factor is people and the consensus towards a common goal. Because technology can change every day, the system can be continuously upgraded, but it is the determination, spirit of innovation, and sense of responsibility of each cadre and civil servant that is the key to ensuring success. When each individual considers innovation as a task and a driving force, the collective will certainly create a combined strength. Besides professional qualities and spirit of innovation, what we always put first is the attitude of serving businesses and people. Because the ultimate goal of customs reform and modernization is not only to apply technology for more effective management, but also to create a transparent, fair and equal business environment for the business community.

When each customs officer is aware that serving the people and businesses is both an obligation and a responsibility but also an honor, the daily work will become meaningful and closely linked to the common development. Therefore, Region VIII Customs always upholds the motto of "taking the satisfaction of the people and businesses as a measure of work efficiency". I believe that with the close connection between people - technology - political determination, Region VIII Customs can completely realize the goal of building a modern and smart Customs, while affirming its role as a companion and creator of the development of the locality and the country.

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