(VOVworld) – The tax and customs sectors are attempting to simplify their procedures with a target of cutting in half the time it will take businesses to file taxes in 2014. The streamlining was announced by Deputy Minister of Finance Do Hoang Anh Tuan at a press conference on Tuesday. Mr. Tuan highlighted the importance of creating favorable conditions for businesses to improve investment and business efficiency and economic competitiveness.

Business owners declare customs at Cat Lai port in Ho Chi Minh City. (Photo: tuoitrenews)

He said: “We aim to cut an average of 363 hours from tax procedures by the end of this year. To achieve this target, we’ll apply a number of measures including applying IT and inappropriate policies which are not compliant with international regulations.”

 The Ministry of Finance said the customs sector is stepping up efforts to shorten customs clearance time from 21 days to 13 days for imported goods and 14 days for exports.