Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea – Oceania Customs Organisation (OCO) Head of Secretariat Ms. Nancy T. Oraka recently represented the region’s Customs administrations at the 7th Joint Heads of Pacific Security (JHoPS) meeting in Port Moresby. The forum held from March 18-20, 2025, brought together leaders from defense forces, police services, immigration departments, and customs agencies across the Pacific under the theme “Align and Collaborate to Advance our Collective Security.”
“This forum provided a valuable opportunity to observe the strengthening partnerships between Pacific security agencies and their coordination efforts,” said Ms. Oraka. “The endorsement of the Regional Operations Deployment Framework will significantly improve how the region responds collectively to security challenges across oceanic borders, particularly in combating transnational crime, human trafficking, and illegal fishing activities.”
During the three-day event at the Stanley Hotel & Suites, Ms. Oraka attended discussions on pressing regional security challenges as an observer, representing OCO’s member customs administrations.
Participants engaged in practical tabletop exercises focusing on humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and maritime contraband movement scenarios. These exercises demonstrated the importance of interagency cooperation and information sharing across Pacific nations.
As part of the program, delegates visited key security installations including the Basilisk Naval Base, the National Surveillance and Coordination Centre, and the Container Examination Facility. The PNG Customs Service’s (PNGCS) Container Examination Facility, which Ms. Oraka previously project-managed from construction phase through to launching and full operation during her tenure as Director Capability Development and Regional Director Southern Region Operations for PNGCS, and is now fully operational. The state-of-the-art facility has significantly improved cargo clearance turnaround times and trade facilitation for PNG.
Ms. Oraka also held a productive bilateral meeting with the PNG Customs Service, where Chief Commissioner David Towe reaffirmed PNG’s commitment to OCO’s strategic priorities and ongoing customs reform efforts across the region.
The 2026 JHoPS meeting is scheduled to be hosted by Australia, where participants will continue advancing collective security initiatives for the Pacific region.
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.