Almost 80 per cent of global trade volume is facilitated by maritime transportation, making Fiji Ports Corporation Limited (FPCL) a key partner in border management.
And efforts to strengthen this collaboration led to the signing yesterday of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) and FPTL.
“Maritime transport accounts for almost 80 per cent of the global trade volumes. Hence, maritime stakeholders, including FPCL are FRCS’s key strategic partners in border management,” FRCS acting chief executive officer Malakai Naiyaga said in a statement announcing the MoU.
“Strengthening cooperation between FRCS and FPCL will significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of both FRCS and FPCL in facilitating and controlling the transportation and movement of goods across borders which are critical to the development of our national economy and for economic growth.
“Working together closely will enable FRCS and FPCL to ensure that necessary inspections and formalities are completed in a timely and efficient manner, and in protecting our major seaports from any breaches.
“Given the nature of our borders and resource challenges that we have, I cannot overstress the importance of effective collaboration amongst relevant agencies in our border protection. The signing of the MOU is a step forward towards that.”
Information exchange covered under the MOU include customs border data, advice on the technical aspects of collaborative operations and updates or changes to FRCS policies or laws from FRCS’ side.
FPCL in turn will share vessel schedules and details of FPCL-owned facilities, essential for FRCS to fulfill its border-related duties effectively.
FPCL also committed to supporting FRCS in terms of fostering partnerships and maintaining business continuity.
The MOU was signed by Mr Naiyaga and FPCL chief executive officer Vajira Piyasena at the FRCS headquarters in Suva.
