People are expected to benefit from stronger border security and more efficient customs services following a new partnership between the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service and Japan Customs aimed at strengthening customs capabilities in Fiji and across the Pacific.
The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) and the Customs and Tariff Bureau of Japan's Ministry of Finance have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation, establishing a new framework for technical cooperation between the two customs administrations.
FRCS says under the agreement, Japan Customs will assign a dedicated Liaison Officer for Capacity Building to Fiji, marking a significant step in strengthening the longstanding relationship between the two organisations and reinforcing Japan's continued support for customs modernisation across the Pacific.
The Memorandum of Cooperation reflects the shared commitment of FRCS and Japan Customs to strengthening customs capabilities across the region.
They say agreement builds on Japan's wider engagement with Pacific Island countries through the Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM) framework and complements ongoing regional efforts to harmonise customs standards and practices.
The Liaison Officer for Capacity Building will serve as the main point of contact between FRCS and Japan Customs on all matters relating to technical cooperation.
By stationing a dedicated liaison officer in Fiji, Japan Customs aims to provide more direct, sustained and responsive support, allowing capacity-building initiatives to be better tailored to the specific needs of FRCS.
FRCS has welcomed the partnership, saying it will help enhance staff expertise, adopt international best practices and further align its operations with global customs standards.
