69TH INTERNATIONAL WORLD CUSTOMS DAY
KATHMANDU, JANUARY 26
Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel has said that the support of the private sector is necessary to control the irregularities in customs.
Speaking at the 69th International World Customs Day today organised at the Department of Customs, he said that the department and the private sector should cooperate with each other to control irregularities in customs.
Finance Minister Paudel said that the customs department and the private sector are two sides of the same coin. Thus, he stressed on working together for mutual benefit.
"We need to pay attention to the problems facing the private sector and the existing problems in the customs system," said Minister Paudel.
He also mentioned that the customs department should play a supportive role in resolving the legitimate problems of the private sector.
Speaking on the occasion, President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) Shekhar Golchha said that ready-made goods and raw materials should be managed from two levels as per the World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules. According to him, there are many problems in the export inspection at the moment and it should be made easier.
"Currently, it takes around 11 hours to clear the customs during trade," he said.
"This problem should be solved to make it easier for the entrepreneurs." He also said that it was very important to reopen the northern checkpoint which had been closed for almost a year citing various reasons.
Similarly, President of Nepal Chamber of Commerce Rajesh Kazi Shrestha demanded that e-payment system be introduced soon as the one-door system is being implemented. He also said that the income tax should be reduced from 13 per cent to 10 per cent.
Meanwhile, addressing the event, Secretary at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Baikuntha Aryal, said that various actions and discussions have been held to facilitate import and export sector of the country. He said that special discussions are underway to open the northern border too. Similarly, the ministry informed that discussions will be held with India to set up Bhairahawa and Birgunj integrated check posts as well.
