The SAJ salutes you on this week

THE SHIPPING Association of Jamaica is pleased to join the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) in observing Customs Week 2017 under the theme ‘Data Analysis for Effective Border Management’.

Countries, businesses, organisations and people are more interconnected and interdependent than ever before, thanks to the advent of the Digital Age. At the same time, border management is becoming increasingly complex and challenging due to increasing passenger and cargo volumes, the variety of potential criminal infractions, increasing criminal sophistication, and difficulty of infraction detection.

As is the case with so many other areas of government and private-sector business activity, digital technology and data analysis can radically optimise the way we manage and secure our physical and virtual borders. Already, our border agencies – from the JCA to travel companies to freight forwarders – are collecting data from multiple points rather than only from traditional sources, such as visa applications and border crossing points.

Data analysis can now support cross-border trade and logistics, as well as national security by allowing interconnectivity and information-sharing. Screening of cargo and travellers is possible using international watchlists or creating risk profiles that allow authorities to predict where to deploy resources and where to target their interventions. Data mining and statistical approaches are being applied to identify criminal operations in other domains such as credit-card fraud, telecommunications fraud, terrorism detection, financial crime detection, and computer intrusion detection. DATA ANALYTICS

Ultimately, applying data analytics in Customs should be to improve its effectiveness while optimising its efficiency, with the goal being to increase trade facilitation. We note with optimism the investments by the JCA in data collection and analysis and the development of technology-driven business processes intended to improve efficiencies for its stakeholders. The automated system for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) now being used by the JCA is an example of technology that can potentially improve border security and, ultimately, national security. As a tool for trade facilitation, it is imperative that the JCA continues to collaborate and consult with the shipping industry and traders who utilise the system.

Data only has value when it is used effectively and efficiently. It is critical, therefore, that customs administrations leverage data to make informed decisions given the sophisticated and evolving challenges of the modern age. This is critical as our industry seeks to balance the need for efficiency in trade facilitation with the need for effective border controls.

As we celebrate another week of Customs-focused activities, we look forward to continued engagement between the JCA and the shipping and logistics sector. We pledge to continue to provide our guidance and insights in support of our mutual goal of enhanced trade and economic advancement of this land we love.

KIM CLARKE President The Shipping Association of Jamaica