Nadi, Fiji – September 23, 2024 – The OCO Secretariat, in partnership with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), today launched a regional workshop focused on simplifying and modernising customs procedures in the Pacific. This initiative, known as Business Process Re-engineering (BPR), aims to make trade easier and faster across the region.
“Think of it like this,” explained Ms. Nancy T Oraka, Head of the OCO Secretariat, “we’re taking a close look at how things are currently done at customs, identifying any bottlenecks or outdated practices, and then redesigning these processes to be more efficient and effective. This means less time and money wasted on paperwork and delays, and more opportunities for businesses to thrive.”
The workshop brings together representatives from Pacific ACP (PACP) countries to tackle these challenges head-on. By using data from the IMPACT Project, an OCO initiative conducted in partnership with UNCTAD and funded by European Union through EDF 11, which analysed existing customs procedures and identified areas for improvement, participants will work together to develop a streamlined, regional approach to customs processes.
This includes simplifying procedures for:
- Managing risk: Customs will be better equipped to identify potential security threats while making it easier for legitimate businesses to trade.
- Auditing after goods are cleared: Ensuring compliance and accurate duty collection.
- Creating trusted trader programs: Rewarding reliable businesses with faster customs processing.
- Speeding up shipments: Getting goods across borders faster.
- Getting advance rulings: Businesses will be able to get quicker and clearer decisions from customs officials.
The workshop also marks the launch of the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Community of Practice (CoP), a platform dedicated to promoting fairness and inclusivity in trade facilitation.
The BPR recommendations from the workshop will inform OCO’s efforts to enhance trade facilitation measures and implement the Pacific Regional Trade Facilitation Strategy.
About the Oceania Customs Organisation
The Oceania Customs Organisation (OCO) is an intergovernmental organization that represents the interests of Customs administrations in the Pacific region. OCO’s mission is to promote regional cooperation and capacity building in Customs matters.
ENDS