January 26: Stakeholders on Friday underlined the need to make the customs administration of Nepal compatible with the present-day needs through digitization. They made such remarks during a program organized in the capital to mark the 72nd International Customs Day on Friday.

On the occasion, Director General of the Department of Customs, Shobhakant Paudel, said that the department is ready to switch to paperless, faceless and contactless systems in customs service by improving customs infrastructures. 

Experts believe that the paperless system would help minimize hassles faced by the importers at the customs but many are still doubtful of the implementation of the new system.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat underlined the need for digitization of the customs administration to enhance its effectiveness. 

He called for efforts to build a dynamic customs administration by utilizing the available technology and international good practices.

The department’s former directors general Tanka Mani Sharma and Krishnahari Baskota called for further systematizing customs administration, making it private-sector friendly.  

Private sector representatives including President of Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) Rajendra Malla and President of the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) Rajesh Kumar Agrawal called for making the customs service compatible with time and to curb smuggling of goods. 

Finance Secretary Dr Krishna Hari Pushkar said the ministry has accorded priority to the investment in customs administration. The department is witnessing improvement in collaboration with the private sector, he said. 

On the occasion, Finance Minister Dr Mahat launched the service for electronic signature and also inaugurated the customs museum. The department honored 25 employees and eight customs agents on the occasion.