The 26th Oceania Customs Organisation (OCO) Annual Conference is set to take place in Rarotonga next week, attracting leaders and stakeholders from across the blue Pacific region.

The conference will convene from July 29 to 31 at The Edgewater Resort and Spa, under the theme “Strengthening Partnerships for Dynamic Solutions and a Future-ready Blue Pacific”.

This gathering will focus on fostering regional cooperation, developing innovative strategies, and implementing collaborative efforts to build a resilient and sustainable future.

The Cook Islands Customs Service, part of the Revenue Management Division under the Ministry of Finance Economic Management, says it is proud to host this year’s conference.

The Cook Islands Customs Service and the OCO Secretariat have collaborated to ensure a productive and enjoyable experience for all delegates and participants.

Upon arrival at Rarotonga International Airport, attendees will be welcomed by the Conference Planning Committee, which includes staff from both the Cook Islands Customs and OCO Secretariat.

They will assist with arrival formalities, luggage pick-up, and transfers to the hotel. A special lane will be designated for conference participants to facilitate a smooth passage through Immigration and Customs.

Established in August 1998, the Oceania Customs Organisation promotes efficiency and effectiveness in regional customs administrations. With 23 member countries and territories from the Pacific, the OCO helps its members align with international customs standards and best practices, contributing to greater economic prosperity and enhanced border security in the region.

Earlier this year, the OCO identified undervaluation in trade as a significant issue impacting fair competition and revenue collection. The organisation is dedicated to implementing strong measures to combat this problem, ensuring a level playing field for all traders in the Pacific region.

 “It is not just a financial concern as it also directly impacts the lives of people in the Blue Pacific Region,” Oceania Customs Organisation Head of Secretariat, Nancy T Oraka stated.

 “When goods are undervalued, governments lose out on critical revenue that could otherwise be used to improve healthcare, education, and infrastructure. This practice also distorts trade statistics and undermines fair competition, affecting local businesses and consumers,” Ms Oraka said.

In response to these challenges, customs officers from across the Pacific participated in a Week of Action in Fiji as part of a Regional Operation on Trade Risk & Enforcement.

Led by the Australian Border Force (ABF) and supported by the New Zealand Customs Service, this initiative aimed to address revenue losses and promote fair trade practices.

"Regional cooperation is vital in addressing common challenges faced by Pacific nations," stated ABF Superintendent Pacific Network Uriah Turner. "By working together, we can strengthen our ability to detect and prevent undervaluation, ultimately benefiting our economies and communities."

Ten OCO members, including Australia, Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, New Zealand, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu, are part of this regional initiative.

The operation, mandated during the 25th OCO Annual Conference last year, focused on information sharing and trade data analysis to identify discrepancies and undervaluation by comparing import and export data over time.