Helping Small Island economies in customs modernisation and reform

The objective was to assist SIEs in addressing their unique challenges in the pursuit of customs modernisation and reform programmes, including accession to, and implementation of key WCO instruments and tools. Moreover, the workshop offered a platform to discuss and suggest potential measures to assist SIEs in integrating the global supply chain, while strengthening their capacities for effective risk management, trade facilitation, security and revenue collection.

In his address at the opening ceremony, the Director General of the MRA, Mr Sudhamo Lal, pleaded for Small Island States to be treated differently. According to him, their limited resources, low product differentiation and great susceptibility to natural disasters and vulnerability must be acknowledged.

As for the resource person for the WCO, Mr Samson Bilangna, he underpinned the importance of helping SIEs that are facing difficulties due to their geographical positions.  It is crucial to equip SIEs with the necessary tools and competences which is possible through regional cooperation, he emphasised.

The WCO workshop will be followed by another one in the Pacific Islands, after which virtual meetings will be held to apprise SIEs Customs Administrations about the outcome and possible solutions to challenges already being faced by Customs Administrations.