A plenary session on the topic “International trade and customs administration in the global world“ was held on October 22, within the framework of the International Customs Forum. The discussion was moderated by Lana Samarina, First Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the TASS news agency.
Russia is a key player in the world trade arena not only due to its advantageous geographical location, but also due to its significant potential for the implementation of digital platforms, improving infrastructure and opportunities for the development of trade routes. In this regard, the Federal Customs Service is a state control body, a fiscal institution and the largest service operator providing quality services for business.
The plenary session was opened by Mikhail Mishustin, Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation. He wished the Federal Customs Service a happy 30th anniversary, speaking online.
The Minister of Finance of the Russian Federation Anton Siluanov also wished all those present a happy upcoming Day of Customs. He highlighted the importance of the International Customs Forum as an effective platform for the development of discussions on customs administration, interaction with exporters and importers, sharing best practices with colleagues from the customs services of foreign countries.
“No state works without customs or without tax authorities. The customs approaches its anniversary with great achievements. We are talking about the successfully implemented digital solutions that enabled the customs authorities to effectively perform their functions and interact with business,” Anton Siluanov said. He also stressed that the Russian customs today is a leading agency that uses modern methods of customs administration and interaction with business. This is also noted by international experts.
In his speech, Ruslan Davydov, First Deputy Head of the Federal Customs Service, drew attention to the growing importance of the non-fiscal role of customs authorities. “The entire world is working to make customs an effective tool for the development of international trade. In this vein, it is important to keep on working on automation and digitalization of customs procedures," Ruslan Davydov emphasized.
He also noted that now the customs authorities are focused on the tasks outlined in the Strategy for the Development of the Customs Service until 2030. “The strategy has conceptual framework boundaries, so we must expand its provisions within the framework of specific projects and regulatory legal acts,” he said.
Kunio Mikuriya, Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO), paid special attention to the customs services’ efforts to protect public health amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted that the need to comply with the current anti-COVID restrictions pertaining to customs services’ operations involves a deeper use of information technology, contactless release of goods, and non-intrusive methods used to control cargo consignments.
Mikhail Myasnikovich, Chairman of the Board of the Eurasian Economic Commission, noted the importance of holding the International Customs Forum in order to develop dialogue between government agencies and businesses of different countries. “The International Customs Forum held by the FCS of Russia is an effective and popular platform that benefits not only professionals, but also national economies,” he said.
Mikhail Myasnikovich also emphasized that e-commerce requires better regulation of both the activities of legal entities in matters of double taxation and individuals transporting goods for personal use duty-free.
At the end of the event, Anton Siluanov and Ruslan Davydov, First Deputy Head of the FCS of Russia, presented state awards to officials of the customs authorities.
REFERENCE
The International Customs Forum was held on October 21-22, 2021 in Moscow.
General partner of ICF 2021 is Gazprombank.
Strategic partners are Rosselkhozbank and Autonomous Non-Profit Organization Mosprom.
Official partners and sponsors are Joint Stock Company United Customs Guarantor, Insurance Company ARSENAL LLC, Huawei, Russian Railways, Bank Otkritie, Customs Card LLC, Rosatom, PJSC Promsvyazbank, VTB Bank, Metalloinvest.
The partners of business events are Mars LLC, Multiservice Payment System, Severstal, Maersk transport and logistics group, Global Ports group, Delo Group of Companies, UTLC ERA JSC, and KGH Customs Services.