SERGE SARGSIAN: CUSTOMS SYSTEM MUST CONTRIBUTE TO BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND IMPROVEMENT OF BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT
Noyan Tapan
April 17, 2008
YEREVAN, APRIL 17, NOYAN TAPAN. Today’s work of customs bodies
notably differs from their activity in the previous years in terms
of professional level, equipment, and first of all, the obligations
towards the state – which is certainly an achievement, the president
Serge Sargsian said during the April 17 meeting with the heads of the
State Customs Committee adjunct to the government. At the same time
he pointed out that along with this there are such negative phenomena
in the system as corruption, protectionism, arrogant attitude, which
hinder economic development and cause just anger of those in touch
with the customs system.
In the words of S. Sargsian, all those who are not prepared to perform
their duties conscientiously must leave the system, while those ready
to work honestly and serve the state and the public will receive
support in their work.
"No individuals or structures in our country will have the opportunity
to put pressure on customs bodies, nor may they engage in smuggling,"
S. Sargsian stated.
In his opinion, smuggling is tantamount to getting unearned incomes,
which directly ruins the economy, creates unequal conditions and
prevents conscientious businessmen from doing business.
S. Sargsian underlined the importance of the fight against the
so-called "left" document cases when in a marz (Armenian province)
a document case is opened under the name of a 95-year-old man who
allegedly has an enterprise with a turnover of billions of drams, while
a few weeks or months later the enterprise is naturally closed and
no traces are left behind. "Many of you are aware of this problem. I
am sure that some of your know the persons engaged in it but do not
take any steps," he said.
The next problem indicated by the president is the fight against the
import of taxable goods into Armenia as goods liable to zero rate of
customs duty and VAT. In his words, a lot of such goods were revealed
during the checks in recent days. "I am sure that such things cannot
be done without the involvement of customs employees," he emphasized.
S. Sargsian demanded that the heads of customs bodies pay special
attention to the problem of temporary import when temporary import
is registered and goods are imported – allegedly for being processed,
after which these goods are exported.
In the words of the president, all the forms listed by him legalize
smuggling, whereas behind all this are billions of drams, which
the country needs. In this connection the president attached great
importance to cooperation of the tax and customs bodies.
The next problem, to which Serge Sargsian drew attention of those
present is related to the so-called control prices of goods. In his
opinion, the customs bodies have no right to change prices arbitrarily
every week.
Although the law provides them with this opportunity, their work
should be quite transparemt and accessible to the public. Information
on all control prices should be placed on the website of the customs
body so that businessmen can get information at any moment.
According to S. Sargsian, the customs bodies should finally use
the way when the prices presented by importers will be declared. He
expressed an opinion that in case of their normal coordinated work
with tax bodies, the state will have no losses.
He considered it important to complete the technical reequipment, which
also presupposes improvement of the culture of work and developing
the civilized rules of communicating with people.
Concluding his speech, S. Sargsian said:
"In Armenia, tax and customs revenues are the only source for
solution of social problems. Therefore we should take the path
of self-purification, improve the quality of services, the customs
system must contribute to business development and improvement of the
business environment. We all should live in a normal country where
one can run a business without problems. All studies show that it is
first of all small and medium business that encounters difficulties,
while big business has no problems in Armenia, especially with the
customs system. This should prompt something. I say once again there
should be no privileged persons, equal conditions should be created
for everyone – this is our primary task".
According to a press release of the RA president’s press service,
the prime minister Tigran Sargsian, the head of the presidential
staff Armen Gevorgian, other officials participated in the meeting.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
