Liaoning Special

Customs service key to real success

By Wu Yong and Liu Ce (China Daily)
Updated: 2010-12-02 07:58

Peng Xiqiao, who came to Bayuquan from his hometown in Jiangsu to start a mining company, says that he has truly witnessed the development of the past decade.

Peng, who is in his 60s, invested in the Bayuquan Development Zone, in Yingkou, Liaoning province. He says he has seen the business improvement, but what most impresses him is the significant change in the number of goods going through Yingkou port, and the customs service.

"It's of vital importance to private businesses like mine."

He explained that the port allows his products to be sold to more countries, and it cuts his transportation costs. And the improved customs service means savings in time.

Recently, the annual amount of goods handled by Yingkou port rose above 200 million tons.

The leap from 100 million tons to 200 million was accomplished in a three-year period, something that is rare for the nation's ports.

The other good news is that Bayuquan's customs revenues will cross the 10-billion-yuan line by the end of the year, a 10-fold increase in the past four years, and a record high for similar level ports.

Cao Libin, a senior executive with the Yingkou Port Group, said, "Ports and customs complement each other. The customs made a great contribution to our fast development."

Since 2006, Bayuquan customs officials have visited every enterprise in the area and have studied their difficulties and their special needs.

"We really know the individual companies' needs through our visits and can help improve the service. Then, companies choose Bayuquan for their exports naturally because of the better service," explained Guo Xinyi, commissioner of customs.

When it comes to service, Lu Zheng, the manager of the Yingkou Newport Container Railway Logistic Co Ltd, has experienced it all: "Bayuquan Customs negotiated with Manchuria Customs and helped solve some difficulties, such as commodity code differences. That was because they understood the real situation and improve the clearance process.

"Now our company moves smoothly in international transport and has good prospects."

In addition, Guo, the commissioner, and others in Bayuquan Customs give their own cell-phone numbers to all enterprises.

And, the customs officers have "the three promises": no one can say "no" to a company proposal and they have to submit it at all levels until there is a satisfactory response; they have to try their best to settle matters as long as it is legal; companies can apply to a section chief directly in dealing with matters.

"It is the sincere attitude in serving business that makes the environment good and safeguards companies. We're really moved by their attitude," said Min Chun, chairman of the Yingkou Port Logistics Association.

In one assessment organized by the provincial port office, the basic satisfaction rate for Bayuquan was 100 percent.

"With the development of the Liaoning Costal Economic Zone, Yingkou will become an international seaport. Customs will have to deal internationally and continue to provide quality service for local development," Guo concluded.