PM Opens 9TH OCO Conference

PM Opens 9TH OCO Conference

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has welcomed discussion on the problem of money laundering at the opening of the 9th annual Oceania Customs Organisation conference which got underway in Honiara this morning.

The Prime Minister said the issue of money laundering had a negative impact on border security and hailed the OCO for taking it aboard for discussion.

Mr Sogavare said the Solomon Islands Government acknowledged the fundamental role of the customs in helping governments facilitate trade, boosting national economies and guarding against transnational crimes such as money laundering.

He said he noted the challenges faced by the Oceania customs administrations in adopting harmonised standards, embracing automation and undertaking initiatives at the regional level to ensure effective trade and travel and at the same time reduce ‘red tape’ and unwieldy

The Prime Minister also praised the OCO’s engagement of the private sector in the conference.

“There is no doubt the private sector can play an important role with customs in the area of trade facilitation and trade security.”

Mr Sogavare also applauded the representation of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) in the seminar and the presentation of its framework of standards on trade facilitation and security.

“I have been advised that the OCO has taken positive steps to develop and enhance its relationship with the WCO. This initiative will assist capacity building in the region for customs administration in the long term,” he said.

Mr Sogavare meanwhile revealed that the Pacific Islands Forum Economic Ministers meeting in Honiara last year had endorsed the Forum Secretariat to undertake a feasibility study for the creation of a ‘Pacific Islands Customs Service’.

“I believe the benefit will be a ‘win-win situation’ for all parties. If it is to be funded on a user-pay basis it would be of no cost to either donors or the Forum Island countries,” he said.

ENDS

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