Vietnam Customs strengthens private sector ties

This commitment was made during bilateral meetings with regional business councils on the sidelines of the 34^th ASEAN Directors-General of Customs Meeting that took place in Brunei from June 3-5.

As part of the event, a Vietnamese delegation led by Nguyen Van Tho, director general of the General Department of Vietnam Customs, held separate bilateral discussions on June 4 with representatives of the US-ASEAN Business Council and the EU-ASEAN Business Council.

The meetings drew the participation of major multinational corporations, including Intel, FedEx, Amazon, DHL, ABB, and JTI, all of which have an active presence in Vietnam and expressed interest in the country’s evolving customs landscape.

During the discussions, the Vietnamese side updated business representatives on regulatory changes that are due to take effect, particularly in relation to e-commerce and express delivery services. Delegates were also briefed on recent adjustments to Vietnam’s gold trading regulations.

Director general of the General Department of Vietnam Customs Nguyen Van Tho (left), took part in the working session. Photo: CHQ

Speaking at the meetings, Tho said that the customs authority would continue to allocate space for stakeholders to contribute feedback on draft policies, as well as to participate in capacity-building activities prior to implementation. He emphasised Vietnam Customs’ openness to stronger information exchange mechanisms and private sector collaboration, with a view to enhancing the effectiveness of customs oversight in a fast-changing trade environment.

The delegation also expressed appreciation for the support shown by business councils and their members in the ongoing negotiation process for a bilateral tax agreement between Vietnam and the United States. The deal, once concluded, is expected to lay the groundwork for a more predictable and sustainable business environment in Vietnam.

The annual ASEAN Directors-General of Customs Meeting serves as the region’s most significant customs gathering, where top customs officials assess progress on strategic cooperation initiatives and agree on future directions for regional integration.

This year’s meeting featured customs chiefs from all 10 ASEAN member states, alongside the ASEAN Secretariat and key dialogue partners including Australia, Japan, South Korea, China, the World Customs Organisation, and representatives from major ASEAN business councils.

Among the key outcomes expected from the 34^th meeting is the endorsement of the ASEAN Customs Strategic Plan for 2026–2030, which will shape the region’s customs development priorities.

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