The successful organization of the conference will strengthen the strategic political position of Vietnam Customs in the region and the world

Nguyen Thi Khanh Hong, an officer of the Customs Reform and Modernization Board, former representative of Vietnam Customs and WCO technical officer

What do you think about the WCO’s selection for Vietnam and Vietnam Customs as the host of this year’s event? In your opinion, with such an outstanding annual global event, how the organization of the event will affirm the role of Vietnam Customs within the framework of the World Customs Organization?

This is an honor and pride for the country and Vietnam Customs to be selected as the host country of an international event of WCO with more than 185 members. I think that the selection by WCO is an accurate decision. The principle of selecting a country to host an international conference is the rotation selection among WCO members, which plays an important role. Vietnam is located in the Asia-Pacific region, an emerging region with outstanding economic development, and Vietnam Customs is also in the region.

WCO has based on other criteria to select such as the assessment of security, safety, and political stability which is also one of the key factors besides the economic development factor. Vietnam Customs, as the host of this event, I think that the successful organization of the conference will strengthen the strategic political position of the country as well as Vietnam Customs in the region and the world.

We will also affirm our economic potential. As the host country of an international event with the participation of thousands of delegates, it will also express our technological potential when the event is organized successfully. Finally, I think this is also an opportunity for us to share with friends around the world the beauty of our people and our country.

Could you tell us more about the cooperation and assistance of advanced countries for Vietnam Customs over the past time?

I think this Technology Conference and Exhibition has a more significant role. The conference not only introduces technology but also provides methods to apply technology and train customs officers in using technology in customs operation and trade facilitation.

Vietnam Customs has regularly had technological revolutions, from transferring from the CYDONIA project system to the World Bank project, and most recently the VNACCS/VCIS project to quickly clear goods and effectively control negative impacts on the economy and especially people. Currently, Vietnam Customs makes great efforts to build digital customs and smart customs systems. In the rapid development of technology, the training for customs officers to master technology plays an important role.

Therefore, this technology conference is a great opportunity for customs officials to access new technologies and also seek support opportunities from developed countries. According to Ms. Nga, many customs administrations of other countries have signed cooperation agreements with Vietnam Customs. They also share experiences as well as new technology applications with Vietnam Customs. This is a great opportunity for us to approach new matters.

What do you think about the role of technology in promoting customs knowledge and skills as well as attracting and retaining talented officers in customs agencies?

As we know, technology is not decisive, but technology has a big role in serving state management and supporting people to make accurate decisions.

I think that the training to transfer knowledge and experience to customs officers is a key factor. The strong development of technology brings many new opportunities for customs officers to quickly access new knowledge. Through participation in the conference, we will listen to shared experiences as well as visit exhibition booths with the latest technologies and solutions. I think this is the best way to transfer knowledge as well as experience to customs officers.

Thank you!