National, ASEAN Single Window customs systems launched PM Nguyen Tan Dung pressed a button to launch Viet Nam’s National Single Window Mechanism and integrate it with the ASEAN Single Window customs system at a ceremony held in Ha Noi on September 8.   The ceremony saw the presence of Deputy PMs Vu Van Ninh and Pham Binh Minh, ASEAN Secretary General Le Luong Minh and representatives from ministries and ASEAN member countries’ embassies in Viet Nam. Addressing the event, DPM Ninh, also Head of the National Steering Committee for ASEAN and National Single Window Mechanism (CSWM), stressed the launching’s significance in administrative reforms and e-government implementation. He emphasized that administrative reform, business climate improvement and national competitiveness enhancement are strategic breakthroughs in restructuring the economy, shifting the growth model, elevating productivity, quality and effectiveness of the economy, contributing to implementing regional and international integration successfully. The ASEAN-linked national single window mechanism is important to simplify and facilitate administrative procedures in accordance with international practices and standards, boosting trade, tourism and investment while affirming Viet Nam’s resolution in realizing the ASEAN Economic Community by the end of this year, Deputy PM Ninh said. The official asked the CSWM, relevant ministries and agencies to work closely to fully integrate with the ASEAN Single Window Mechanism (ASW) as planned. He also asked relevant agencies and ministries to continue enhancing the national single window mechanism (NSW) in all sectors and with all ASEAN member countries; review and legalize local regulations in order to make them in line with international agreements; as well as enhance collaboration between local and international agencies to make the mechanism useful and effective to people and businesses. According to the CSWM, the NSW has been implemented in three phases to connect nine ministries to the system. As of August 27, nearly 1,940 businesses have conducted declaration procedures on the NSW. Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam have so far announced their NSWs as committed while Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam have stated to be ready for linking with the ASW from December. The ASW is expected to expedite cargo clearance within the context of increased economic integration in ASEAN for simpler and faster processing time and a more transparent way of doing business. VGP