Today, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) ASYCUDA Pacific Program joins the customs administration, business and trading community and development partners of the Pacific Island Countries (PICs) in observing the World Customs Day 2024.

This year’s theme highlights the importance of relationships, therefore, ASYCUDA Pacific recognises the dedicated and valued commitment of our traditional and new partners in driving the transformation of customs administration.

Dynamic partnership is essential to drive innovation and opportunities for economic growth.

UNCTAD ASYCUDA’s cutting edge IT systems and capacity building helps enhance trade facilitation, and digitalise environmentally friendly processes and reduce red tape, time and cost associated with customs and trade. These are significant, now more than ever before.

Unpredictable natural disasters and public health emergencies such as the global COVID-19 pandemic, exposed the vulnerabilities and challenges of the global trade capabilities of PICs and the impact it had on economies.

The emerging challenges of the 21st century mainly post pandemic, demands an intentional strengthening of existing networks and forging new partnerships to ensure a seamless and secure flow of goods and travel across international borders.

Lessons learned from the pandemic further hastened digital transformation and interconnectedness between the government bodies, sector agencies, industries and communities.

Therefore, our collaboration with traditional and new partners supports the simplification and harmonisation of policies and procedures, dissemination of knowledge and information, resources, infrastructure and tools to enhance regional and international trade in the Pacific.

In 2024, we look forward to continued partnerships to bolster customs and trade in the Pacific.