Meeting with Head of the Federal Customs Service Valery Pikalyov

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Pikalyov, my best wishes to you and all Customs Service employees on the occasion of your professional holiday.

Head of the Federal Customs Service Valery Pikalyov: Thank you very much.

Vladimir Putin: How are you celebrating?

Valery Pikalyov: We are celebrating exclusively by carrying out our mission.

Mr President,

Thank you very much for your congratulations; it really means a lot to us. Today marks the 33^rd anniversary of the Federal Customs Service in modern history, even though customs service in Russia dates back over 370 years. On this day in 1653, Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich signed a decree that laid the groundwork for a single customs system in Russia.

Throughout history, the customs service has focused on fulfilling the country's leadership directives and did so unwaveringly. Speaking of cargo turnover at checkpoints located in international transport and logistics corridors, the eastern direction and the North-South corridor show a steady growth in cargo volumes.

Regarding foreign trade, I would like to note that trade with the friendly countries is expanding which reflects stronger business ties and more stable economy regardless of the sanctions imposed on our country.

In the first nine months, the Russian Federal Customs Service transferred 5.84 trillion rubles to the budget, up 11.5 percent compared to the year before.

Vladimir Putin: What about the plan?

Valery Pikalyov: We have a drawdown if we look at the plan. We have seen returns on gas, petroleum, and petroleum products, as well as currency fluctuations. So, we are slightly below target. I think the final numbers will be around 96-97 percent.

In terms of other revenue sources, such as disposal fees, customs fees, and fines, we have seen significant growth, and we have transferred 516 billion rubles to the budget so far.

The risk mitigation system made it possible for us to levy extra customs duties in the amount of over 20 billion rubles, and post-clearance customs audits brought us more than 36 billion rubles.

Our law enforcement units have become more effective with as many as 16.5 tonnes of narcotic and potent controlled substances removed from trafficking operations.

Our goal is to establish an environment where customs activities are objective and transparent, hassle-free for compliant businesses, and eliminate any possibility of unlawful practices.

To be continued.