NCC felicitates customs office Bhattrai

KATHMANDU, JANUARY 23: The Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC)  honored Gopal Prasad Bhattrai, Branch Officer at the Customs Department, on the occasion of the 73rd International Customs Day yesterday. Bhattrai was recognized for his outstanding service within the Customs Department.

The ceremony, held at the Chamber's building in Jamal, Kathmandu, saw Chamber President Kamlesh Kumar Agarwal presenting a certificate to Bhattrai, while Finance Secretary Ram Prasad Ghimire honored him with a traditional Dosalla (scarf). The Chamber stated that Bhattrai’s exceptional service at the Customs Department earned him this recognition.

Chamber President Kamlesh Kumar Agarwal mentioned that Bhattrai was honored based on a recommendation from the Customs Department. Each year, the Chamber of Commerce acknowledges employees who have demonstrated exceptional service in Customs administration on the occasion of Customs Day.

During the event, President Agarwal emphasized the need for Customs administration reforms to facilitate trade. He highlighted the importance of controlling smuggling at the borders by improving Customs procedures. Agarwal also suggested that, in line with the World Customs Organization's valuation methods, Customs should replace reference values with transaction values. Additionally, he proposed a review of all harmonic codes, with the aim of implementing a 10-digit harmonic code.

Agarwal noted that ambiguity in harmonic codes can lead to unnecessary tax liabilities. He further stressed that all Customs processes, from declaration registration to goods clearance, should be expedited and simplified. He also called for reducing existing Customs duties in accordance with commitments made under international trade agreements such as the World Trade Organization (WTO), BIMSTEC, and SAFTA.

Outgoing Chamber President Rajendra Mall emphasized the importance of making Customs administration more technology-friendly and controlling illegal trade at the border. Senior Vice President Dipak Malhotra pointed out the problems caused by inflated Customs valuations and suggested that recognizing transaction values over reference values could lead to increased revenue collection.

Finance Secretary Ghimire stated that the government and private sector must collaborate on economic reforms and ease policy challenges. He noted that the government has introduced various ordinances to address economic complexities and called for boosting the private sector’s confidence.