Minister Paudel urges stronger efforts in revenue collection and customs reform

KATHMANDU, JANUARY 26: Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel has stated that there has been progress in revenue collection this year compared to last year.

While addressing a program organized on International Customs Day, he acknowledged the progress in revenue collection but emphasized that the current situation still requires significant efforts to achieve the desired targets.

“Achieving long-term success in revenue collection is not easy. Right now, we are under pressure to meet the revenue goals. There has been some progress in revenue collection compared to last year, but we cannot be complacent. The Customs Department must understand its responsibilities clearly when it comes to revenue matters,” Minister Paudel said.

He also pointed out that if the economic slowdown could be managed effectively, achieving the revenue goals would become more feasible. As the current fiscal year has reached its midpoint, Paudel urged all customs department personnel to assess the past six months of revenue performance and work with greater diligence in the second half of the year.

Speaking on the same occasion, Chandra Dhakal, President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), highlighted the importance of making the Customs Department more accountable and responsible in building a strong economy.

“The private sector has played a key role in strengthening the economy, and customs must prioritize trade for the overall development of the country. However, the procedural hurdles within the Customs Department need to be minimized. The valuation process should follow international standards, the undue influence of customs officers in procedural matters must end, and administrative review orders should be effectively implemented,” Dhakal stated. “Customs must focus on prioritizing trade for the nation’s overall development.”

He further emphasized that the Customs Department should give special attention to maximizing revenue collection while ensuring that the process supports trade and development.