I salute you in achieving this milestone

AS WE celebrate International Customs Day, I take this opportunity to salute the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) for its efforts towards enabling a safe cross-border trade environment.

The importance of the JCA in the fight against crime, trade facilitation, and export enhancement cannot be overstated. Our local agency has distinguished itself and in this regard as Jamaica is seen as the leading Caribbean territory in the field of customs services.

However, the threat of illegal imports and contraband to the viability of legitimate businesses remains a challenge. I note with pride the work of the JCA towards implementing international best practices, aimed at bolstering the discharge of its mandate. The ongoing review of the Customs Act towards repeal and replacement will also support this thrust. This is part of the Government’s Trade Facilitation National Policy Framework.

Embodied by its theme for this year: ‘A Secure business environment for economic development’ is the JCA’s role in helping to provide a secure trade and business environment, which is essential to maximising revenue collection and is a driving force behind economic development.

I join the JCA and the international customs community in celebrating International Customs Day 2018, and wish for the agency continued success.