Numerous deficiencies in the collecting of port infrastructure fees in Ho Chi Minh City

DNHN - As indicated by businesses, the city's new cost burden on import-export businesses in the context of logistics costs has risen too high in recent years, demonstrating "upstream" with the Government's policy of attracting investment and assisting businesses in recovering and developing following the pandemic.

As indicated by businesses, the city's new cost burden on import-export businesses in the context of logistics costs has risen too high in recent years, demonstrating "upstream" with the Government's policy of attracting investment and assisting businesses in recovering and developing following the pandemic. 

The Administrative Procedure Reform Advisory Council's Private Economic Development Research Board (Board IV) has reported to the Prime Minister on a number of inadequacies and adverse effects on business operations. 

Specifically, as expressed by businesses, the fact that the city increases the new cost burden on import-export enterprises in light of historically high logistics costs demonstrates "upstream" to the owner. The government's strategy for recruiting investment and assisting businesses in recovering and growing following the pandemic. 

The choice of such a location can significantly undermine investor trust while also increasing logistical expenses, production costs, and business costs, making it much more difficult for enterprises. in competing, reviving, and detracting from the domestic investment environment's appeal. 

On the other hand, the regulation of the charge differential between opening declarations in and outside of cities violates both the Fees and Charges Law and the present Customs Law, resulting in discrimination and difficulties for enterprises in surrounding provinces, as well as management confusion. 

Indeed, when enterprises establish declarations in Ho Chi Minh City or nearby provinces, they all make use of infrastructure and public utility facilities in the port region of Ho Chi Minh City, such as water and electricity. Even if firms establish declarations at local customs offices outside of Ho Chi Minh City, items will be moved to manufacturers and factories immediately upon arrival, implying that the utilisation of seaport infrastructure is even less than that of the port. 

For the reasons outlined above, groups and enterprises suggest suspending the collection of seaport infrastructure fees in Ho Chi Minh City in order to foster the recovery and development of businesses and the economy. When the Covid-19 pandemic is totally contained and enterprises have recovered substantially, fee collection must adhere scrupulously to the terms of the Fees and Charges Law and the Customs Law. 

For example, collection to offset a portion of investment rather than collection to invest in the construction of additional infrastructure, and collection on an equitable basis among infrastructure users rather than discriminating as is currently done based on the location of the customs declaration. 

Charge no fees to those who violate the law and Vietnam's international obligations, such as fees for utilising seaport infrastructure for commodities delivered via interior waterways, fees for using port infrastructure for transshipment, transit, temporary import - re-export... 

Vietnam Shippers Association (VNSC); Vietnam Logistics Service Association (VSA); Vietnam Association of Marine Agents, Brokers, and Services (VISABA); Vietnam Shipowners Association (VSA); and Vietnam Inland Water Transport Association also signed an official letter to the President of the National Assembly proposing not to charge for the use of seaport border gate infrastructure when transporting cargo via inland waterway. 

According to the associations, collecting fees for the use of public facilities and services in the seaport border gate area (the fee for using the seaport's infrastructure) is not the appropriate objective for goods transported via inland waterways, as goods are transported via inland waterways without utilising the seaport's local infrastructure. 

Hu Hoa