OCO Conference sessions explore cutting-edge technologies to enhance border security and trade facilitation
GUAM, U.S.A. – Customs leaders from across the Pacific gathered yesterday at the 27th OCO Annual Conference in Guam to explore how digitalisation, getting ahead of illicit trade and transnational crime, and improving undervaluation can transform border management and trade facilitation in the region.
The day’s sessions, which marked the beginning of the conference’s open segment with partners and stakeholders, focused on practical applications of emerging technologies in customs operations, with particular emphasis on the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the Pacific context.
“Technology is fundamentally changing how customs administrations fulfill their mandates,” said Capt. Johnric Mendiola, Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency Executive Officer, who moderated the morning session on Customs Digitalisation and Data-Driven Customs Operations. “From automated risk assessment to contactless clearance processes, digital tools are creating opportunities to enhance both security and trade facilitation simultaneously.”
The morning session included presentations from members and partners on digital transformation initiatives, data sharing frameworks, and strategies for building technical capacity within customs administrations. Speakers highlighted successful implementations of digital systems from several Pacific island countries, while acknowledging the infrastructure and connectivity challenges that remain in some locations.
In the afternoon, representatives from Fiji, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat discussed ongoing efforts to combat illicit trade and transnational crime.
“These threats exploit the vulnerabilities of our region and endanger our communities, economies, and environment. Through strengthened cooperation, intelligence-sharing, and innovation in border management, we can more adequately guard our Pacific,” said Shelini Devi, Director of Customs and Border for the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service.
The day concluded with discussions on the outcome of Operation Domino II, a regional initiative conducted in March and April to combat undervaluation in trade through enhanced data analytics and information sharing. The operation, which built on the success of previous collaborative enforcement efforts, saw participating administrations working together to identify and address valuation fraud that undermines revenue collection and fair competition.
“Operation Domino II represents the perfect intersection of technology and collaboration,” said OCO Head of Secretariat, Ms. Nancy T. Oraka. “By combining advanced data analysis with regional cooperation, we can more effectively target undervaluation schemes that affect multiple jurisdictions in our region.”
The OCO Annual Conference continues through today with sessions focusing on environmental protection and collaborative efforts to combat illicit trade and transnational crime.
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.
