A recent survey conducted by Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) has apparently revealed that fewer firms are paying bribes to customs officers.

Fewer firms are paying bribes to customs officers

The Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) published the survey on November 21 at a conference on customs procedures. The survey was compiled by the VCCI, Vietnam Customs and US Agency for International Development, with 3,123 enterprises from April to June.

36% of enterprises said without bribes the procedures would be deliberately prolonged and they would be asked for more documents, including harassment through having to meet demands which aren’t even legal. 35% refused to comment and 28% admitted that they bribed customs officers. The quality of work provided by the customs official was only rated as average.

Head of VCCI's Legal Department Dau Anh Tuan said 57% of questioned firms in 2012 admitted to giving bribes. The figure was 49% in 2013 and they didn't conduct the survey in next year.

"This is a huge improvement compared to 2012 and 2013," he said.

Moreover, 94% gave positive reviews on the changes of customs policies such as publicising information via websites. 76% were content with their local customs.

Vu Tien Loc, head of VCCI, said even though the administrative reforms were good, the government still needed to quickly improve the system and close the gap between Vietnam and other ASEAN countries. "Enterprises recognise the efforts being made to improve customs. It has improved greatly compared to 2013," said Vu Tien Loc, head of VCCI.

Dtinews