KATHMANDU, JANUARY 26
Finance Minister Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat has emphasized the necessity of digitalizing customs administration to enhance its effectiveness.
Speaking at a program organized to mark the 72nd International Customs Day, the Minister stressed the need for collective efforts to build a robust customs administration by incorporating available technology, international criteria, and best practices.
He noted that the customs administration lacks motivation to adopt new innovations, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing advanced technology for improved effectiveness and transparency.
Director General of the Department of Customs, Shobhakant Paudel, highlighted the importance of professionalism and integrity in the customs service and expressed readiness to transition to a paperless, faceless, and contactless system by enhancing customs infrastructure.
Revenue Secretary Dr. Ram Prasad Ghimire emphasized that customs administration is not solely about revenue collection but also plays a crucial role in ensuring orderly domestic and foreign trade. He called for further enhancements in customs administration.
Finance Ministry Secretary Dr. Krishnahari Pushkar stated that the Ministry prioritizes investment in customs administration and highlighted improvements in collaboration with the private sector. Former Directors General Tankamani Sharma and Krishnahari Baskota advocated for further systematization of customs administration to make it more private-sector friendly.
Nepal Chamber of Commerce President Rajendra Malla and Confederation of Nepalese Industries President Rajesh Kumar Agrawal urged for modernizing customs services to align with contemporary requirements and to control smuggling.
