Innovative customs solutions will become increasingly important for supporting the nation's economic development, said Premier Jiang Yi-huah today at the Cabinet's weekly meeting after hearing a report on customs management by the Ministry of Finance (MOF).
In the coming years as more free economic pilot zones (FEPZ) operate "inside the border but outside of customs" and outsource their processing needs to the country's various manufacturing zones and science and industrial parks, customs authorities will have to find creative means of facilitating trade while protecting the nation's borders at the same time, Jiang said. He asked the MOF to maintain close communication with the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, and the Council for Economic Planning and Development, directing all agencies involved in FEPZ projects to collaborate and assist one another. He also urged the MOF to continue developing new and sophisticated customs initiatives that will create a business-friendly environment and advance economic development.
The premier thanked Taiwan's customs personnel for their hard work and innovative ideas amid an ever-changing trade environment. They applied advanced technologies and effective management strategies to make clearance and inspection processes even more efficient.
Regarding proposed changes to duty-free shopping regulations that would require travelers to register their passport numbers and signatures while making purchases, the MOF has agreed to not to implement this rule for the convenience of travelers. However, duty-free shops will still be required to link their information systems with those of customs agencies so that the sale of duty-free merchandise can be tracked. Jiang asked the MOF to work with the businesses and advise them on ways of transmitting sales records without affecting regular operations.