28th January, 2019 The Ministry of Revenue and Customs marked World Customs Day 2019 under the theme ‘SMART (Secure, Measurable, Automated, Risk Management-based, Technology-driven) borders for seamless trade, travel and transport this morning at the department’s head office.
In the Keynote address Minister for Revenue and Customs Hon. Mateni Tapueluelu said Customs plays a critical but challenging role in maintaining balance between security, compliance and facilitation.
“To overcome these challenges Customs will continue to work smarter in collaboration with its stakeholders to reinforce the whole-of-government endeavour towards achieving the outcome of secure and seamless trade, travel and transport.”
He stated that the government will “strive for Customs and national border system that provides legitimate persons and operators, facilitate cross border services and at the same time strongly deters the introduction of illicit substances.”
CEO for Revenue and Customs Mr Kelemete Vahe said the theme challenges countries like Tonga to be cautious, well organised and efficient in service delivery to the country.
“An efficient and effective Customs administration is essential to the welfare of any country as it benefits the national economy by collecting revenue, assist the government to implement national and international trade policy and protects the country by combating fraud and the illegal trafficking of prohibited and restricted goods to mention a few.”
SMART borders according to Vahe is consistent with works carried out by the department which include the construction of its new administration office, combating the importation of illicit drugs such as methamphetamine (Ice), engagement on free trade agreements and trade facilitations.
The programme was attended by the Minister for Finance, Hon Dr. Pohiva Tu’ionetoa, High Commissioner of New Zealand to Tonga H.E Tiffany Babington, Japanese Consular Mr. Yauhiko Kamada, Governor of the National Reserve Bank Dr Ngongo Kioa and his Lordship Dr. Afa Vaka, government officials and guests.
ENDS
Issued by the: Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change & Communications.