KATHMANDU, Jan 26: Finance Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat has underlined the need for digitization of the customs administration to enhance its effectiveness. 

Speaking at a program organized to mark the 72nd International Customs Day on Friday, the finance minister echoed the need for collective efforts to build a robust customs administration by applying the available technology, international criteria and good practices.

He assessed that the customs administration is not motivated to use new innovations in the customs service. It is necessary to give priority to the use of advanced technology in customs service for its effectiveness and transparency as well, said the minister. 

Director General of the Department of Customs, Shobhakant Paudel, underlined the need for professionalism and integrity in customs service. 

He said that the department is ready to switch to paperless, faceless and contactless systems in customs service by improving customs infrastructures. 

Revenue Secretary Dr Ram Prasad Ghimire said the customs administration is not just a means of collecting revenue but its role is crucial to make domestic and foreign trade decent and systematic. He insisted on further improvements in the customs administration. 

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. 

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

Nepal Chamber of Commerce President Rajendra Malla and Confederation of Nepalese Industries President Rajesh Kumar Agrawal called for making the customs service compatible with time and to control smuggling of goods. 

On the occasion, Finance Minister Dr Mahat launched the service for electronic signature, inaugurated the customs museum and released the 'Customs Souvenir'. 

Former Director General Sharma was conferred with the 'letter of honor'. Journalist Bhagawat Bhattarai of Setopati.com was honored with a cash prize of Rs 15,000 in recognition of his contribution to the finance, revenue and management sector. Similarly, the department's computer engineer Mohammed Raheem Ansari received the 'best employee' award.   On the occasion, the Department honored 25 employees and eight customs agents.

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