USAID Trade Facilitation Program Quarterly Report OCT – DEC 2021

The program reinforced its engagement with Government of Vietnam (GVN) units, deepened its relations with the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), and finalized a Memorandum of Understanding with the Vietnam Business Forum (VBF). Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, the program made significant progress on activities in the provinces, advanced plans for a new Information and Communications Technology (ICT) system for customs operations, and completed all necessary procedures for the implementation of relevant activities in the next quarters. The program's efforts focused on several key areas, including the redesign of the blueprint for an overall Customs IT system. In collaboration with the General Department of Vietnam Customs (GDVC) and the Customs Control and Supervision (CCS) and Information Technology departments, the program conducted detailed discussions with international experts on the business requirements of a modern customs system. These consultations and dialogue between the program and GDVC were a hybrid of online exchange Q&A sessions and in-person meetings at GDVC HQ. One such request led to the program facilitating an online session with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (U.S. CBP) for the Risk Management department on the integration of data-driven risk management into a 'smart' Customs ICT system. The program submitted an interim report to GDVC, covering all areas of the discussions and providing best practice examples where applicable. GDVC initiated feedback sessions with the program, the first of which took place on December 31, 2021. These sessions will continue in the early part of Q2 and will be reported on accordingly. The program also supported compliance measurement for imports and exports by coordinating with the U.S. CBP to deliver a "Managing Data for Compliance Measurement" briefing session on December 10, 2021. The purpose of the briefing was to share experience and current practice in managing databases and applying data analytics in risk management. This session was organized to meet the needs of GDVC, which were identified during discussions with the RMD and the program on business requirements for a new customs system. In addition, the program conducted a three-day training course on Leadership and Management Development (LMD) skills for customs leaders in Hanoi. The training was attended by 14 leaders, all of whom are vice directors or directors of 14 Departments at GDVC. Another five customs officials participated as observers. This is the first of three training courses on LMD for directors and vice directors at central and provincial levels. During three intensive days, the participants were introduced to key principles in strategic management and people management, and trained on Situational Leadership – a world-famous training program. The program's progress in the first quarter of fiscal year 2022 demonstrates its commitment to expediting cross-border trade and improving the business environment in Vietnam. The program's efforts to redesign the blueprint for an overall Customs IT system, support compliance measurement for imports and exports, and provide LMD training for customs leaders are critical components of its overall strategy to achieve its goal.