Suva, Fiji, September 19,2024 – The Oceania Customs Organisation Secretariat (OCO) today celebrated the graduation of a new cohort of customs officials who have successfully completed the Certificate IV (CERT IV) customs training program.
The CERT IV program, developed in collaboration with the Centre for Customs & Excise Studies (CCES) of the Charles Sturt University, equips customs officials with advanced knowledge and skills in areas such as risk management, valuation, trade facilitation, and enforcement.
This expertise is crucial for navigating the complexities of international trade and ensuring compliance with global customs standards.
“It is important that Customs organisations in the region have proficient and technically trained,” said Ms Nancy T Oraka, OCO’s Head of Secretariat. “We are committed to continuing these programs as part of our 2022-2027 strategic plan.”
The certificate program was funded by the European Union (EU) through the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) under the Improving Pacific Islands Customs and Trade (IMPACT) project.
The graduation ceremony, held virtually was attended by 34 graduates from 8 Pacific Island countries namely Fiji, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Tonga, Kiribati, Cook Islands, Palau and Nauru.
“This graduation is not just an individual accomplishment; it’s a collective investment in the future of our region,” Ms Oraka added. “By strengthening the capacity of our customs officials, we are building a more resilient, efficient, and secure trade environment for the Pacific.”
OCO’s Professional Standards Framework (OPSF), launched in 2018, has been instrumental in ensuring the quality and relevance of its training programs. The OPSF, developed in partnership with CCES, a WCO PICARD and INCU accredited institution, guarantees that training content aligns with international best practices.
The success of the OPSF is evident in the growing number of graduates. Since its implementation in 2021, OCO has witnessed the successful completion of multiple CERT III and CERT IV cohorts, demonstrating the strong demand and effectiveness of these programs.
The key goal is to cultivate a cadre of customs officials across the Pacific who possess the knowledge and skills to administer customs requirements in a transparent, accountable, and consistent manner. This will contribute to enhanced trade facilitation, improved border security, and ultimately, the economic development of the Pacific region.
About the Oceania Customs Organisation
The Oceania Customs Organisation (OCO) is an intergovernmental organization that represents the interests of Customs administrations in the Pacific region. OCO’s mission is to promote regional cooperation and capacity building in Customs matters.
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