Nepal needs to modernise its customs
KATHMANDU, JULY 13:
Secretary general of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Kunio Mikuriya suggested Nepal to modernise its customs points according to international standards.
There are enormous possibilities of taking advantage from the two neighbours — India and China — due to Nepal’s strategic location, he said, adding that Nepal should ensure that its custom valuation and classification system is according to international norms to become a bridging country between the two economic giants.
Nepal can be the best transit customs point for its neighbouring economic giants, he said. “But, the country must have simplified and harmonised customs procedures to be a linking point for emerging economies.”
Mikuriya also emphasised on the need for close cooperation between the Indian and Nepali governments to reform Nepali customs. “The reform of Kolkata port is a must for better performance of Nepali customs since most of Nepal’s trade activities are carried out from that port,” he said. “The improvement of customs activities in India is a must to propel export-import from Nepal.”
The customs administration should resolutely pursue the principle of ‘three Ps’ –– People, Political Support and Partnership –– with the business world for the overall reform of customs, he said. Reaffirming the principle, he said it would accelerate trade facilitation, which in turn supports economic development. The ‘three Ps’ principle is strategic and beneficial for both customs and the business community, hence the need for both to synergise to achieve common economic development, he added.
Mikuriya, who posited that the customs should facilitate trade, sought for a mutual trust between the business world and the customs. Harping on electronic commerce, Mikuriya threw his weight behind provision and deployment of information technology for customs operations to reduce physical human contact during cargo clearance.
He pledged that the World Customs Organisation will provide assistance to the Nepali customs administration for its reforms and modernisation. He mentioned that the global body encourages all its signatory member-nations to have a dialogue with each other in reaching decisions on enhancing business through compliance with trade regulations.
WCO will provide assistance to Nepal in formulating international class customs valuation and classification system and provide training to Nepali customs officials, he said.
Source: THT
