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Japan grants 8.6 million USD to up customs checks
The Government of Japan has granted a USD 8.6 million project to help Vietnam strengthen its customs capabilities at Cat Lai Port, Ho Chi Minh City.
The project agreement for reinforcement of the out-of-date customs functions at the port was signed on Oct. 15 in Hanoi by the Governments of Vietnam and Japan .
Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister of Finance Do Hoang Anh Tuan said that the project would create a breakthrough in the reform of the activities of the customs sector.
Under the project framework, the Government of Japan will help the General Department of Vietnam Customs (GDVNC) set up a large-scale X-ray container inspection system at the port.
According to GDVNC, the quantity of import and export goods in Vietnam is increasing quickly, with the majority of goods coming and going in containers. In 2007, the number of containers passing through Cat Lai Port accounted for 70 percent of the total containers transported through HCM City and about 40 percent of Vietnam’s total.
At this time customs inspections are done by hand, causing companies to lose time and money.
The project is expected to be completed by March 2010. The second phase of the project will be implemented at northern Hai Phong Port and will be finished by early 2011.
VNA
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