Under the programme, the agencies joined hands in supervising the effectuation of the Government’s Resolution No. 19/NQ-CP on major tasks and measures to improve the business climate and raise national competitiveness in the tax and customs sector. At the conference reviewing the implementation of the programme, VCCI President Vu Tien Loc said that through the programme, the business community has a chance to give feedback on the resolution for the first time. 

The programme has helped connect State agencies and businesses, the official added. Hailing the efficiency of the programme, VFFCC President Nguyen Thien Nhan asked the agencies, particularly the VCCI, to increase the popularisation of regulations on administrative reform, focusing on the tax and customs sectors. In 2016, the entire economy will spearhead issues regarding international integration, he said, urging businesses to make thorough preparations to strengthen their competitive edge and ready themselves for integration. Dau Anh Tuan, head of the VCCI’s Legal Department, said a survey was conducted last year at 153 associations and 27 cooperative alliances in Hanoi, Lao Cai, Danang, Quang Nam, Ho Chi Minh City and An Giang. Deputy Finance Minister Vu Thi Mai said the programme’s outcomes reflect her ministry’s reform efforts, as well as limitations that must be fixed. 

Pham Thu Huong, a representative from the VFFCC, announced the programme’s plans for 2016, which will target 100 units in Hanoi, Hai Phong, HCM City, Binh Duong, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Can Tho, Dong Nai, Vinh Phuc, Quang Ngai, Danang, Bac Ninh, Khanh Hoa and Quang Ninh. 

This year’s survey is expected to focus on the implementation of e-tax declaration and payment procedures, inspections over customs agencies and coordination between agencies in administrative reform. Local tax and customs agencies, associations and businesses operating in the fishery, garment-textile, steel, footwear and food sectors will be subject to supervision.