STRENGTHENING Customs administrations is critical to ensuring Pacific countries can fully maximise the benefits of trade and collect revenue to sustain government services.
New Zealand High Commissioner to Fiji, Mark Ramsden, made this statement yesterday in support of a single window approach in trade facilitation while opening the Regional Workshop on Single Window Entry at the Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority building in Suva.
A single window approach is about adopting a customer-centric approach to better facilitate trade involving creating one point for a trader or transporter to submit all the information required for Government agencies rather than resubmitting information multiple times across multiple transactions.
“The single window approach highlights the critical importance of strong co-ordination across all border agencies to ensure the private sector can do more business more efficiently while borders remain secure,” Mr Ramsden said.
He said Customs had an important role in promoting a single window approach.
“NZ is a member and supporter of the Oceania Customs Organisations Secretariat (OCO) and recognises the important role it has in supporting Customs administration modernisation and improve ment in their systems and processes.
“In particular, we acknowledge OCO’s role in providing support for small Customs administrations.”
Mr Ramsden also highlighted that NZ recognised the importance of trade to development which is the reason why increasing the economic benefits from trade is one of the main investment priorities for its aid program.
He said this was reflected in the country’s approach to trade with the Pacific region.
“This intention is brought to life in several ways. The NZ Aid Program has a long history of providing ‘aid for trade’, supporting the development of export industries. NZ’s support of Nature’s Way Co-op here in Fiji is an excellent example of that,” Mr Ramsden said.
