Afghanistan's Finance Minister Mullah Mohammad Nasir Akhund held an online meeting with customs officials, urging them to improve services for the public and traders while strengthening oversight of customs operations.

During the meeting, Akhund instructed customs personnel to treat traders and members of the public with courtesy and respect and to process their requests and administrative affairs without unnecessary delays.

He also called for greater accuracy and scrutiny in the declaration of customs goods, emphasizing the need for closer oversight to ensure that goods are properly declared and customs procedures are implemented accurately.

The ministry said the meeting focused on improving the efficiency of customs administration and facilitating trade while strengthening supervision of customs activities.

The Deputy Minister of Revenue and Customs and the Director General of Customs also addressed the meeting, stressing the importance of expanding facilities and services available to traders.

They called for closer monitoring of customs operations and stronger coordination between the central customs administration and provincial departments to ensure greater consistency and efficiency in the implementation of customs procedures.

The officials' remarks come as Afghanistan continues efforts to facilitate commercial activity, improve customs administration and strengthen revenue collection at the country's border crossings.

The Finance Ministry has repeatedly emphasized the importance of modernizing customs procedures and improving services for traders as part of broader efforts to strengthen Afghanistan's economy and increase domestic revenues. (ILKHA)