Finance Minister stresses digitalisation in customs administration

KATHMANDU: Finance Minister Prakash Sharan Mahat has emphasized the necessity for the digitalisation of customs administration to boost its effectiveness.

At an event organised by the Department of Customs to commemorate the 72nd International Customs Day, Finance Minister Mahat reiterated the need for collective efforts to establish a robust customs administration by utilising available technology, international standards, and best practices.

In his assessment, the customs administration has not been proactive in adopting new innovations in customs service. The Minister stressed the importance of prioritising the use of advanced technology in customs service to enhance its effectiveness and transparency.

Shobhakant Paudel, Director General of the Department of Customs, highlighted the need for professionalism and integrity in customs service.

He stated that the Department is prepared to transition to a paperless, faceless, and contactless system in customs service by upgrading customs infrastructures.

Revenue Secretary Ram Prasad Ghimire pointed out that the customs administration is not merely a revenue collection mechanism, but plays a vital role in making domestic and foreign trade orderly and systematic. He urged for further improvements in the customs administration.

Finance Ministry Secretary Krishna Hari Pushkar mentioned that the Ministry has prioritised investment in customs administration. He noted that the Department has witnessed improvement through collaboration with the private sector.

Former Directors General of the Department, Tankamani Sharma and Krishna Hari Baskota, advocated for further systematisation of customs administration and making it more friendly towards the private sector. 

Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) President Rajendra Malla, and Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) President Rajesh Kumar Agrawal called for modernising the customs service in line with the times and controlling the smuggling of goods.

On this occasion, Finance Minister Mahat launched the service for electronic signatures, inaugurated the customs museum, and released the 'Customs Souvenir'.

Former Director General Sharma was awarded a 'letter of honour' at the event. Journalist Bhagawat Bhattarai of Setopati.com was honoured with a cash prize of Rs 15,000 for his contributions to the finance, revenue, and management sector. Similarly, the Department's computer engineer, Mohammed Raheem Ansari, received the 'best employee' award. The Department also honoured 25 employees and eight customs agents on this occasion.

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