Director General of the Customs Department, Ministry of Finance, Mr Phoukham Vannavongxay, chairs a review meeting.

Bokeo customs office boosts earnings, law compliance

Bokeo province’s Customs Department made progress in the collection of customs duty and enforcement of financial regulations during 2025, it was reported at the Bokeo Provincial Customs Office annual review meeting this week.
The meeting assessed the success of customs operations in 2025 and finalised plans and priorities for 2026, with a focus on stronger measures to improve management and support national development goals.
The meeting was led by the Director General of the Customs Department, Ministry of Finance, Mr Phoukham Vannavongxay, and attended by district government leaders, representatives of three vertical sectors, heads of international customs checkpoints, and other officials.
Head of the Bokeo Provincial Customs Office, Mr Boun-ang Phanthavong, presented a report on organisational structure, professional operations, and revenue collection.
The office was assigned a revenue target of 648.70 billion kip for 2025, representing an increase of 227.7 billion kip, or 54.09 percent, over the figure for 2024.
Actual revenue collection amounted to 603.21 billion kip, equivalent to 92.99 percent of the target figure, marking a year-on-year increase of 7.98 percent, or approximately 44.56 billion kip.
Most of the revenue generated was sourced from customs duty paid on fuel, vehicles, consumer goods, and construction materials, as well as warehouse fees.
The customs office strengthened measures to address illegally imported and misused vehicles in Bokeo province, including in the Special Economic Zone, ensuring compliance with customs regulations and the full collection of revenue owed.
Meeting participants reviewed the challenges faced in 2025 and outlined priorities for 2026, including improved inspections, stronger inter-agency coordination, improved staff capacity, and more use of digital systems in customs operations.
Head of the Personnel and Administration Division of the Customs Department, Ministry of Finance, Mr Soutchay Inthavong, read out a decision recognising staff for their outstanding performance in 2025.
Mr Phoukham presented awards to those with a strong track record and gave advice for the year ahead, emphasising the importance of discipline, transparency, and professionalism.
Meeting revenue targets while strictly enforcing customs regulations is key to supporting Laos’ broader socio-economic development goals, he said.
Looking forward, the Bokeo Provincial Customs Office aims to consolidate its achievements by strengthening compliance, modernising bureaucratic processes, and ensuring more revenue is earned.
Officials say these steps are vital for supporting economic growth, facilitating trade, and ensuring the integrity of the province’s customs system.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update March 5, 2026)