0 Comment(s)
Print
E-mail China.org.cn, February 24, 2025
Changjiang Daily:
We have observed that in recent years, customs authorities have prioritized innovation in regulatory systems, receiving praise from various sectors of society. Particularly since last year, the development of smart customs has been actively promoted, creating a safer, more convenient, and efficient customs clearance environment that better supports the stable growth of foreign trade. May I ask how the construction of smart customs is progressing? What are the priority tasks moving forward?
Lin Shaobin:
Thank you, especially for your attention to the work on customs reform and innovation.
Last year's government work report identified the construction of smart customs as a key priority. For the customs system, this is both an honorable and challenging undertaking, directly related to the modernization of China's customs and its contribution to the country's path to modernization. For over a year, we have prioritized the construction of smart customs as a key focus for further deepening all-round reform and as a driving force to promote stable growth in foreign trade. We have made significant strides in digital transformation and intelligent upgrades, striving to leverage the intelligence of smart customs to support the strength of national development.
First, we have improved intelligent infrastructure. By relying on flagship projects, we have improved digital and intelligent infrastructure, further enhancing the digital governance capabilities and standards of customs. For example, our big data pool continues to grow, currently housing over 260 billion pieces of diverse data. This provides robust support for enhancing regulation and optimizing services. In addition, our inventory of intelligent equipment continues to expand, featuring over 40 types of devices and facilities, such as smart individual unit system and smart inspection stations. These have been increasingly utilized in inspection and quarantine, passenger clearance, and other areas, playing a crucial role in preventing invasive species and combating smuggling.
Second, the GACC has enhanced the application of intelligent methods. We take a combined approach to development and application to better fulfill our responsibilities in safeguarding our borders and promoting growth. For example, by utilizing a portable AI-based wood identification system, we can instantly identify hundreds of wood species and insects, with intelligent preliminary screening completed in just 10 minutes. We have also adopted traceability code technology in innovative ways to strengthen the enforcement of Hainan's offshore duty-free policies and effectively crack down on smuggling of duty free goods by "purchasing agents." In addition, we have leveraged digital and intelligent technologies to empower the financial sector and facilitate foreign trade. Preliminary data indicates that since 2023, the GACC has provided streamlined international settlement and financing services to over 220,000 foreign trade enterprises.
Third, the GACC has accelerated the implementation of intelligent projects. The GACC has advanced the rapid implementation of proven projects and functions across various customs-related fields and business sites. This effort aims to deliver tangible benefits to both enterprises and the public, genuinely improving their sense of fulfillment and effectively improving their overall experience. For example, the intelligent supervision system for iron ore enables real-time online detection, intelligent analysis, and handling, significantly reducing cargo clearance times and lowering costs related to ship berthing and port stays. The GACC has reformed its non-trading duty collection models and upgraded its related operational systems. It has also implemented a fully digital process for collecting, paying, and refunding duties on luggage and mail items, allowing travelers to complete customs clearance within seconds after paying duties via a mobile scan.
This year, the GACC will focus on integrating projects under the Smart Customs initiative. It will optimize and reengineer customs supervision protocols and procedures through digital and intelligent methods while further applying AI and other technologies. The GACC will develop a new supervision model characterized by seamless customs clearance, intelligent oversight, minimal interruption, and comprehensive monitoring. This approach will help accelerate the modernization of China's customs sector and better fulfill its duty of safeguarding the country's borders while promoting development. Thank you.
Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)