Suva, Fiji – 19 June 2026
The Oceania Customs Organisation (OCO) Secretariat and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration through the sharing of information, technical expertise, and resources in areas of mutual interest, including trade facilitation, regional security and other customs modernisation initiatives.
The MoU was signed by the Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Mr Baron Waqa, and the Head of the OCO Secretariat, Ms Laisiana Tugaga, at the PIFS Conference Room in Suva, Fiji, on 19 June 2026.
“This partnership will strengthen coordination between PIFS and OCO, reduce duplication of efforts, and leverage the comparative strengths of both organisations—combining PIFS’ regional policy leadership with OCO’s technical customs and border management expertise. Together, we can deliver more effective, coordinated support to our members and advance shared regional priorities across the Blue Pacific.” — Ms Laisiana Tugaga, Head of the OCO Secretariat.
The MOU establishes a strategic framework for cooperation between the two organisations in advancing shared regional priorities and development objectives. Aligned with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, the Boe Declaration on Regional Security, the Pacific Regional Trade Facilitation Strategy and the OCO Strategic Plan 2022–2027, the partnership supports shared regional priorities and strengthens collective efforts to advance sustainable development, security, and prosperity across the Pacific.
The partnership will also support the unique needs of small island states and promote the development of joint knowledge products and research to enhance evidence-based decision-making and improve customs and border management outcomes for Members.
The MOU was signed on the margins of the Forum Officials Sub-Committee on Regional Security (FSRS) Meeting in Suva, which the OCO Secretariat attended as an observer. The FSRS is a key Pacific regional forum that brings together senior officials to discuss priority regional security issues, including matters of direct relevance to customs administrations and their role in safeguarding borders, facilitating legitimate trade, and strengthening regional security cooperation.
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