We value the role of Customs

THE JAMAICA Chamber of Commerce (JCC) conveys good wishes to customs administrations all over the world on celebrating International Customs Day. We wholeheartedly concur with the underlying spirit of the theme World Customs Organisation has chosen for this year’s International Customs Day, highlighting the importance of an enabling environment for business and economic growth.

We value the role of customs as the gatekeeper of transborder trade, because we are acutely cognisant of the importance of accelerated trans-border regulatory reforms to remove unnecessary barriers for trade. We are conscious that the current competitive world is highly dependent on interconnectedness and integration which invariably influence economic growth and social development.

This environment demands that the Jamaica Customs Agency remains vigilant and vibrant along with developing regulatory efficiency and effectiveness through greater coordination. This is reflected in the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYUDA) , its organisational upgrade, and the recent introduction of the Authorised Economic Operator programme. This step demonstrates the

Jamaica Customs Agency’s commitment to improving economic development by aligning itself with international requirements aimed at forging partnerships that will continue to enhance trade facilitation and create new possibilities while embracing opportunities to secure international trade.

We applaud the Jamaica Customs Agency because customs administrations around the globe face challenges and they require adequate acquaintance with and adoption of innovative technology. We know that the Jamaica Customs Agency has been making strenuous efforts to pursue information connectivity with regional trading partners for a safe and secure cross-border trade and enhancing expeditious cargo clearance and trade facilitation. This is an indication of its commitment to continued efforts for promoting international trade.

As the secretary general of the World Customs Organisation, Kunio Mikuryia stated, “the development of international trade is not an end in itself, but rather a vehicle through which economic development can be achieved. We should, therefore, strive to create an environment for businesses that will foster their participation in trade, for the benefit of all”. The Jamaica Customs Agency plays a vital role in the growth trade in Jamaica; better infrastructure, and simple harmonised customs procedures aimed at expanding international trade have made them what they are today. B. LARRY WATSON President Jamaica Chamber of Commerce

“We should ... strive to create an environment for businesses that will foster their participation in trade for the benefit of all.”