Customs fails to reach revenue target
Customs fails to reach revenue target
Lao customs collected 4,214 billion kip in the fiscal year 2012-13, only 95.84 percent of its target figure but still up 17.6 percent on 2011-12.
The Ministry of Finance's Customs Department revealed the figure at a technical meeting to assess progress in the customs sector in Vientiane yesterday.
Speaking at the meeting, Customs Department Director General, Mr Athsaphangthong Siphandone, said despite failing to reach targets last fiscal year, the department was hopeful of collecting 5,071 billion kip in 2013-14.
“Several challenges have caused the failure to meet the planned figure; however we expect to reach the increased figure, which is up 15.34 percent on last fiscal year,” he said.
Mr Athsaphangthong said vague guidelines and regulations that were not suitable for the reality of operations were one reason for the revenue shortfall.
He said customs officers across different sections and units were operating with different procedures and plans, leading to confusion and a lack of accountability.
The meeting, which continues today, will allow customs officials, administrative staff and division heads to share ideas on the department's strategic plan for this fiscal year to provide more efficient outcomes for the future.
vientiane times
