Japan will grant JPY2.66 billion ($33 million) to help Vietnam build an electronic customs clearance procedure (e-customs) system and implement a one-stop customs system, the General Department of Vietnam Customs said. The move aims to help promote bilateral trade between Vietnam and Japan and create better conditions for foreign investors as well as developing e-customs and implement a one-stop customs system that links Vietnam with other ASEAN countries. The fund will be used to deploy the Vietnam Automated Cargo and Port Consolidated System and Vietnam Customs Information System (VNACCS/VCIS) which is based on Japan’s Nippon Automated Customs Clearance (NACCS). Accordingly, Japan will help Vietnam master the system by training personnel and transferring technology to deploy the VNACCS/VCIS. Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will send experts to help Vietnam establish long-term strategy on information technology and information technology applications, Chief Representative of JICA Tsuno Motonori said. JICA experts will help set up systems of management system, operation and maintenance as well as upgrading information technology appropriately. These experts will also review the legal framework and make necessary adjustments of system to help strengthen the capacity of Vietnam’s customs officers, Tsuno Motonori said. The project will be build in three years and transfer to Vietnam’s customs in 2014. The General Department of Vietnam Customs earlier started an experimental implementation of electronic customs clearance procedure systems (e-Manifest) for inbound and outbound cargo ships for 2012-2014 period. The trial programs will be piloted at four customs departments in Haiphong, Danang, Ho Chi Minh City and Vung Tau and applied for three shipping lines, comprising Maersk Vietnam, OOCL Vietnam and Mitsui OSK Line. (www.customs.gov.vn [1] Mar 22, www.cpv.org.vn [2] Mar 23)
