The 26th Annual Oceania Customs Organisation (OCO) Conference began on Monday, with the Prime Minister urging regional customs agencies to innovate and collaborate across the Oceania region.

Leaders and officials from across the Pacific have gathered at The Edgewater Resort for a three-day conference to discuss critical issues such as border security, trade facilitation and the fight against transnational crime.

At the opening ceremony yesterday morning, PM Mark Brown emphasised the urgency of regional cooperation in safeguarding the region’s future.

Brown addressed several key challenges faced by customs agencies in the region, including the increasing need to strengthen border security against criminal networks using the Pacific as a conduit for the transhipment of hard drugs into the markets of New Zealand and Australia.

“We must work hand-in-hand – sharing information, expertise and resources, to disrupt drug trafficking routes, dismantle criminal networks, and safeguard our communities,” he said.

“I am confident that this meeting will be a catalyst for meaningful collaboration and transformative action.”

Guided by the theme, “Strengthening Partnerships for Dynamic Solutions and a Future-ready Blue Pacific,” the conference will continue with discussions on a broad range of topics, including border security, trade facilitation, gender equality, climate change and transnational crime.

The Prime Minister emphasised that the Blue Pacific continues to experience challenges from climate change and environmental degradation to economic vulnerability and social inequality.

He said customs agencies play an indispensable role in promoting and facilitating trade, safeguarding borders and generating revenue for governments.

“I urge you to embrace this theme with unwavering determination. Your dedication, vigilance, and expertise are crucial in protecting our borders, facilitating trade, and generating revenue for our nations,” Brown said.

“Dis-economies of scale and the high costs of compliance to international financial and regulatory authorities make doing business tough in our part of the world.

“But there are also opportunities and recognising them and using the modern tools now available along with collaborative spirit of partnership, our countries can prosper in our Blue Pacific continent.”

Rachael Goodwin, the Oceania Customs Organisation chairperson, recognised the organisation’s significant achievements in border security, disrupting criminal networks and promoting gender equality.

Goodwin also highlighted the need for ongoing vigilance and adaptability in the face of evolving threats.

Oceania Customs Organisation head of secretariat Nancy T Oraka outlined the organisation’s commitment to strengthening Pacific customs administrations through various initiatives.

They include:

• Developing a new generation of professionals with a focus on empowering women,
• Enhancing collaboration and intelligence exchange through the Information Sharing Working Group,
• Implementing the Harmonised System and Asycuda World for trade facilitation,
• Launching a Customs Brokers Online Training programme to boost revenue collection, and
• Conducting in-depth reviews of World Trade Organization agreements and risk management frameworks.

Oraka reaffirmed the Organisation’s dedication to enhancing border security, facilitating trade, and building resilient customs administrations across the Pacific.