GDCE look to modernise customs
EFFORTS are being made to enhance trade facilitation and the investment and business environment in Cambodia, with a focus on increasing the efficiency of their primary role in collecting taxes and duties, according to the General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE).
The department reiterated the clear objectives outlined in its Customs Reform and Modernisation Strategy 202428 at the 71st anniversary of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) on International Customs Day on January 26.
During the event, celebrated under the theme “Customs Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose”, GDCE director-general Kun Nhem emphasised that trade facilitation and customs cooperation are integral to all processes of customs administration.
He noted that the department has established cooperation mechanisms with a variety of partners.
He said these include collaborations between different customs administrations and partnerships with relevant state institutions, such as the Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Justice, National Police, General Department of Immigration, Gendarmerie, the private sector and development partners.
“Due to the active participation of our partners, the GDCE has achieved many important goals in terms of trade facilitation and cooperation. We sincerely hope that the celebration of International Customs Day will encourage continued support for the GDCE in fulfilling its mission. The support is crucial for strengthening traditional partnerships and establishing
new ones with a clear, common goal of promoting international trade,” he said.
Each year on January 26, the customs administrations of the 185 member countries of the WCO hold a ceremony to celebrate the day, which commemorates the establishment of the Customs Cooperation Council, now known as the WCO.
According to the GDCE, this year’s theme calls on all WCO members to reassess their strategic plans, deepening cooperation and enhancing both existing and new partnerships.
It said the call was made in light of the fact that the world is constantly evolving and unpredictable, facing numerous challenges, including the technological revolution, environmental crises, welfare and geopolitical
tensions, as well as conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas wars.
It added that this year’s theme is not merely a slogan but a roadmap for the customs administration.
The guidelines, it said, aim to prepare a strategy for customs reform and modernisation and an action plan to fulfil the mission and vision of the customs administration, including: strengthening international trade facilitation; contributing to a better business environment; increasing efficiency in tax collection with equity and transparency; enhancing effectiveness in preventing and suppressing tax evasion; and contributing to the protection of society, the environment and national well-being.