Customs Chiefs Leadership Forum explores digital transformation priorities in the Pacific
GUAM, U.S.A. – The 27th Annual Conference of the Oceania Customs Organisation (OCO) opened today in Guam, with the Customs Chiefs Leadership Forum, focusing on strategic communications and digital transformation in the Pacific.
The closed-door forum, attended by heads of customs administrations from across the Oceania region, began with a strategic overview of the Pacific communications landscape, examining current challenges and opportunities in regional communications infrastructure and digital transformation.
“Effective communication is the foundation of successful customs operations and regional cooperation,” said Mr. Ike Q. Peredo, Director of the Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency and Chair of the OCO Steering Committee. “As we navigate increasingly complex trade and security environments, our ability to share information efficiently and securely becomes ever more critical.”
The morning session featured presentations on the current state of Pacific media and communications systems, key challenges in regional communications, digital transformation priorities, and a vision for integrated Pacific communications networks.
“Communication is the key to success at every level of work. If you give rubbish – rubbish in, rubbish out. So, make sure you communicate well to the different levels of hierarchy in your office administrations, as well as with stakeholders. It is the key to everything. The value in today was the shared experiences and knowledge, especially for the development of customs leaders,” shared Lorina R. Seady, Customs Operations Manager with the Federated States of Micronesia Customs and Tax Administration.
There were also discussions on crisis communication, community engagement strategies, technology integration in the Pacific context, and sensitive information management.
“Today’s discussions have highlighted both the unique challenges we face in our region and the innovative approaches our members are taking to overcome them,” said Ms. Nancy T. Oraka, OCO Head of Secretariat. “These conversations lay the groundwork for more effective cooperation and modernisation across our customs administrations.”
The OCO Annual Conference will continue through May 23, with upcoming sessions focusing on gender equality, organisational governance, technology innovation, and environmental protection.
About OCO: The Oceania Customs Organisation is the regional body for Customs administrations in the Pacific region. OCO works to enhance the capacity and capability of its members in border security, trade facilitation, and revenue collection.
