Kathmandu: Finance Minister Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat emphasized the imperative need for the digitalization of customs administration to bolster its effectiveness. Speaking at an event commemorating the 72nd International Customs Day, the Minister stressed the importance of collective efforts in fortifying customs administration by incorporating available technology, international criteria, and best practices.

Minister Mahat observed that customs administration tends to resist the adoption of new innovations in the customs service, and he urged prioritizing the use of advanced technology for increased efficiency and transparency in customs operations.

Shobhakant Paudel, Director-General of the Department of Customs, underscored the necessity of professionalism and integrity within the customs service. He expressed the Department's readiness to transition to a paperless, faceless, and contactless system in customs services by enhancing customs infrastructures.

Dr. Ram Prasad Ghimire, Revenue Secretary, highlighted that customs administration serves not only as a revenue collection mechanism but also plays a crucial role in ensuring orderly and systematic domestic and foreign trade. He emphasized the need for continuous improvements in customs administration.

Dr. Krishnahari Pushkar, Secretary of the Finance Ministry, indicated that the Ministry has prioritized investments in customs administration, noting positive collaborations with the private sector.

Former Directors-General of the Department, Tankamani Sharma and Krishnahari Baskota, called for further systematization of customs administration to make it more friendly to the private sector.

Rajendra Malla, President of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce, and Rajesh Kumar Agrawal, President of the Confederation of Nepalese Industries, urged the adaptation of customs services to contemporary needs, emphasizing the importance of controlling the smuggling of goods.

During the event, Finance Minister Dr. Mahat inaugurated the service for electronic signatures, inaugurated the customs museum, and released the 'Customs Souvenir.' Former Director General Sharma was honored with a 'letter of honor,' while journalist Bhagawat Bhattarai of Setopati.com received a cash prize of Rs 15,000 for his contributions to the finance, revenue, and management sector. Additionally, the Department honored 25 employees and eight customs agents on the occasion.