NATADOLA, Fiji, 08 June, 2026 — Twenty-one Pacific Customs administrations have signed off on a communiqué calling for joint action against transnational crime networks exploiting the region’s borders.
The call came at the close of the 28th Annual Conference of the Oceania Customs Organisation (OCO), held from 2 to 4 June 2026 at the Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa, Natadola.
The conference was hosted by the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service and attended by Heads of Customs and nominated representatives from 21 Pacific Island countries and territories.
The conference was officially opened by Fiji’s Minister for Finance, Commerce and Business Development, the Honourable Esrom Immanuel on Tuesday, June 2 who called for continued collective action to secure borders, protect communities, and promote resilient economies guided by the Pacific spirit of cooperation.
Conference members noted that Customs administrations across the Blue Pacific are increasingly at the frontline of a growing threat landscape, one that includes the trafficking of illicit goods, narcotics, and contraband through some of the world’s most remote and geographically challenging borders.
Members agreed that an intelligence-led and coordinated regional approach is no longer optional, but essential, and reaffirmed their commitment to stronger cooperation, information sharing, and joint capacity building to help safeguard Pacific people, economies, and communities. Members also approved the OCO work programme and budget for 2026-2027.
“As the new Head of the OCO Secretariat, I am committed to strengthening Pacific voices in regional and global forums, increasing the visibility of Customs work across the region, and deepening partnerships, including with the World Customs Organization, to advance our shared regional priorities.” said Mrs Laisiana Tugaga, Head of the OCO Secretariat
Kiribati’s Comptroller of Customs, Mr Tekaie Ititaake was appointed as the incoming OCO Chair and Mr Jose Mafnas Jnr, Director Customs of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) as vice chair. Kiribati will also host the 29th Annual Conference in 2027.
Members closed the conference by reaffirming their commitment to working together in the Pacific spirit of partnership to strengthen Customs administrations, protect communities, and support resilient and inclusive economic growth across Blue Pacific region.
ENDS
images source: Fiji Revenue and Customs Services.