Suva, Fiji. January 27- Pacific customs administrations joined the global customs community in celebrating International Customs Day, with Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka emphasising the crucial role of customs services in an era of rapid technological change and growing security challenges.

Speaking at the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) celebration, Prime Minister Rabuka highlighted how modern customs operations are evolving to meet contemporary challenges: “In an era where globalisation and technological environments dictate the pace of trade, customs administrations must continuously adapt to remain competitive and relevant through the adoption of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and data analytics.”

The Prime Minister also emphasised the importance of international cooperation in strengthening border security: “By strengthening international collaborations, sharing intelligence and deploying cutting edge technologies, customs services can fortify their defences against threats.”

The celebration, which coincides with the World Customs Organization’s global observance involving 177 member countries, focused on this year’s theme “Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security and Prosperity.”

Oceania Customs Organisation (OCO) Head of Secretariat, Ms Nancy T Oraka who attended the FRCS celebration, emphasised the theme’s significance for the Pacific region: “This year’s theme challenges us to move beyond commitments to demonstrate tangible results in how we serve our Pacific communities. Across our Blue Pacific, customs administrations are showing measurable progress in modernisation operations while protecting our borders.”

While acknowledging ongoing regional challenges, including climate change impacts on port infrastructure and emerging security threats, Ms Oraka remained optimistic: “While we celebrate our achievements today, we’re also focusing on the work ahead. Our region faces unique challenges, but we remain committed to contribute to the prosperity and security of our Pacific nations.”

Prime Minister Rabuka called for enhanced collaboration between stakeholders: “I urge all stakeholders, from government agency to the private sector to collaborate closely with Customs Administration, ensuring that they are equipped with the approach as it proves necessary to fulfill their crucial mandate. Together, we can create a future where efficiency, security and prosperity are not just aspirations, but tangible realities.”

The celebration also included the presentation of World Customs Organization certificates to outstanding FRCS Officers, recognising their contributions to regional security and trade facilitation.

While International Customs Day is traditionally observed on January 26, this year’s celebration was held today as the official date falls on a Sunday.

 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.

84 Harris Road, Private Mail Bag, Suva, Fiji | Tel: (679) 3313110 Fax: (679) 3313126 | info@ocosec.org www.ocosec.org

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