NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2023 1
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NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2023 15 CUSTOMS WEEK 2023 KNOWLEDGESHARING IS a vital component in any industry, especially one that provides services, which requires its stakeholders to follow various processes. It encourages collaboration and communication; it reduces support training costs while creating knowledge experts and sparks innovation and process improvement. Increasedadvancements inprocess flow from a Technology perspective, impacts both businesses and organisationswishing to continue to thrive in an ever-changing global business environment. An organisation’s culture is an important facet as it relates to the use of information. One of the most significant factors of information sharing is anopenorganisational culture that guides people to associate with eachother, exchange ideas, and share their views and experiences. The initial implementation of the Jamaica Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme could not have come to fruition without the sharing of information fromvarious organisations and agencies such as the technical assistance received fromtheWorldCustomsOrganisation (WCO) technical team and that of the USAID (Jamaica Pride) and the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT), as well our Latin American partners, the Dominican Republic Customs. It was this culture of promotingknowledge-sharing that has allowed Jamaica to successfully implement its Importers AEO Programme in2014, and to further expand in 2021 to include 34 Exporting Economic Operators. The success of Jamaica’s AEO Programme has seen supply chain security benefits to Jamaica, such as: • Improved process levels through the advanced risk management assessment allowing for greater process efficiency • Accelerated and expedited Cargo Clearance, through green lane assignment and designated AEO Entry Processing Unit • International cooperation and collaboration, as the World Customs Organisation, WCO SAFE Framework of standards is the global benchmark for which the AEO Programme is structured. • Designated AEO Account Officer as the pint of contact with the JCA to guide and assist AEO companies. The Jamaica Customs Agency recognises that for there to be proper use of its systems and to better facilitate and foster global and local trade theremust be continuedpartnership with the private and public sectors. For the AEO Programme this is facilitated through theAEOPrivate Sector Committee, a committee that is chairedandmanagedby itsmembers and is focused on improving, among other things, theAEOProgramme and Supply Chain security aswe continue to share andempower our tradepartners and ourselves. JCA’s knowledge-sharing and partnership with stakeholders – key to Jamaica’s successful AEO Programme Jamaica Customs Agency partnered with GraceKennedy Group for International Coastal Clean-up Day at Sirgany Beach in Rockfort, Kingston, on September 17, 2022. The initiative forms part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to support environmental sustainability activities.
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NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2023 19 CUSTOMS WEEK 2023 AS Amodern customs administration, the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) has been adopting modern legislation, operating modalities, and technology to drive its efforts towards a more resilient and sustainable organisation. In addition to these transformational initiatives, the JCA has been strengthening its partnerships with stakeholders and enhancing the development of a professional service culture in executing its core mandates of coordinated border management, trade facilitation and revenue collection. A professional service culture embodies more than just courteous service. It includes consistent and predictable service delivery, commitment to continuous improvement, effective management of relationships and the effective management of risks. It requires the preservation of organisational knowledge and a team of professional service executors. The implementation of the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems in the JCA is one approach to achieve a professional service culture. Customer focus, leadership, engagement of people, process approach, continuous improvement, evidence-based decision making, and relationship management are the hallmarks of these systems. Subscribing to these principles allows the JCA, a critical component in the international trading ecosystem, to transform into a more customer-centric and resilient organisation to boost its contribution to Jamaica’s safety, security and economic stability and competitiveness. The implementation has been a journey of continuous learning and growth for the JCA; one that demanded improvement to the entire spectrum of the organisation including planning, execution and monitoring and evaluation. Many invaluable experiences, lessons and improvements have added significantly to internal developments. Process reviews and process cross-walking for comparisons to attain the requisite level of uniformity across similar areas of execution have been a part of the rewarding experience on this journey. The JCA, like many other organisations across the globe, aspires to benefit from improvements in process execution, governance and ethics, resource management, customer satisfaction, public perception and global stakeholder recognition as a ‘quality’ organization with the attainment of the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems designation. As such, the certification process was initiated and both Stage 1 and Stage 2 of the certification audits were completed. These activities challenged the JCA to demonstrate that its QMS is effectively designed and implemented to the requirements of the ISO 9001:2015 Standard to promote the achievement of the quality objectives including reliable service delivery and customer satisfaction. The JCA now awaits the outcome of the Stage 2 Audit exercise which was conducted by the National Certification Body of Jamaica (NCBJ). In a rapidly and constantly changing international trading landscape, the JCA is strategically positioned to be a catalyst for improved competitiveness and sustainable growth and development. Service excellence is therefore paramount to the JCA. The JCA is also demonstrating its commitment to become the national model organisation and a global leader in Customs administration through endorsement by the International Organisation for Standardisation via its certification process. Achieving ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems certification will reinforce the Agency’s commitment to excellence by inculcating a culture of quality throughout all areas of the Agency to encapsulate all processes and procedures, maintaining a high level of professionalism, adhering to international standards and best practices, and The JCA: successful in ISO stage 1 & 2 external audits PLEASE SEE ISO, 21
NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2023 21 CUSTOMS WEEK 2023 THE JAMAICA Customs Agency (JCA) is reminding importers, exporters and Agents to adhere to its requirements, and provide accurate information, including ‘proper invoices’ to aid with the efficient processing of cargo at the ports. Agents who ship goods to Jamaica are reminded that they MUST follow the steps below for ultimate clearance: Step 1: Submit cargo manifest, to include breakdown manifests, via the Port Community System (PCS) to the JCA prior to arrival of vessel. Step 2: Determine whether a request will be made to move goods from the Port to a Public Bonded Warehouse or have goods examined on the Port. Step 3: Ensure container is offloaded, and cargo scanned at the Warehouse. Step 4: Create and submit the simplified IMS4 declaration and upload all supporting documents, to include invoices provided by the importer. Step 5: Pay the applicable Customs duties and fees for each declaration. Step 6: Arrange with the Warehouse for goods to be presented to Customs for inspection. Step 7: Customs Officer inspects the cargo. Step 8: Cargo is released to the Agent/importer if all requirements are met. As the JCA works to protect Jamaica’s borders and its people, collect revenue on behalf of the Government of Jamaica and facilitate trade, the agency urges importers to assist by ascertaining from their Agents if all the above-mentioned steps have been adhered to, and all Customs requirements have been met. The agency continues to improve its border protection initiatives for the benefit of all Jamaicans and as such, has included enhanced non-intrusive inspections and physical examination of goods based on the risk rating of the importer, the goods or the industry, intelligence or random selection. Importers should therefore allow for sufficient time, for the clearance of their goods. The Jamaica Customs Agency urges all stakeholders to work with us, as we Keep Our Customers in Focus, while effectively fulfilling all mandates of the Agency. Jamaica Customs urges adherence to all requirements for the efficient processing and clearance of goods hub of the Caribbean, but this will require the shared vision and concerted efforts of all public and private sector stakeholders. The logistics hub that we envision would be greatly facilitated by the naming and developing the area around the Port of Kingston as a logistics and industrial park, with all the attendant benefits and security and the necessary infrastructure to enhance the efficiency of our supply chain. We invite the Customs Agency to be one of our chief collaborators in this project, which we believe will also benefit your role as trade facilitator and border protector. Our vision for growth and development requires bold initiatives and innovation. We therefore take this opportunity to commend the Customs Agency for adopting appropriate technology that utilises real-time communication and digitalisation in its operations. By so doing, you are supporting the maritime sector’s efforts at performance optimisation so that we can serve our customers with greater efficiencies. The SAJ remains committed to working closely with government agencies, including the Jamaica Customs Agency, to promote professionalism and growth in the shipping industry and the entire economy. That shared objective forms the basis for the strategic partnership among public and private sector bodies which is integral to our success as a nation. We wish great success for all the activities of International Customs Day and the SAJ always looks forward to participating in this week of celebration. WILLIAM BROWN President Shipping Association of Jamaica (SAJ) ADOPT CONTINUED FROM 14 to continuously revolutionise our efforts to the benefit of all our stakeholders. Recognising the important role played by our stakeholders, the JCA is compelled to develop and maintain that culture of quality in ensuring that our systems, processes, and business practices remain on the cutting edge and that our service delivery always achieves the desired outcome which is customer satisfaction. Implementing quality management will increase efficiency in our operations, delivering on promises, thus improving/ exceeding customer satisfaction among our stakeholders and propelling the JCA to that point of global excellence in service delivery. Contributed by: The ISO Project Office of the JCA ISO CONTINUED FROM 19
CUSTOMS WEEK 2023 FEATURE | THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2023 ADVERTISEMENT 23
NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2023 24 CUSTOMS WEEK 2023 A PRINCIPAL objective of the Government of Jamaica’s (GOJ) revenue strategy is the reform of the tax systemtoachieve simplicity, efficiency, and equity. The improved tax systemis expected toensure revenueadequacyand to facilitateamore competitive business environment that promotes sustainable economic growthanddevelopment.TheJamaica Customs Agency (JCA) plays a pivotal role intheachievementof this revenue objective. As part of its mandate, the JCAequitablycollects the revenuedue from international trade and travel. As at December 2022, $213b in tax revenues for thecurrent fiscal yearwas generated from international trade and travel. Comparatively, this inflow surpassed theprior year’s tax revenue outturn of $169.3b by $43.7b, or 25.8 per cent. Additionally, thecurrent yearto-date tax revenue exceeded the pre-pandemic outturn of $165.2b by $47.8b, or 29per cent.Historically, yearon-year growth in revenue averaged 11 per cent andwas driven largely by changes in the volume and value of international tradeandaccentuatedby new revenuemeasures, to include an increase in the Special Consumption Tax (SCT) payable on fuel, alcoholic beverages and cigarettes, broadening the General Consumption Tax (GCT) and environmental levy (ENVL) base, as well as increasing the travel tax rate and denominating same in United States dollars, which further solidify theGOJ’s commitment to fiscal consolidation. However, in theabsenceof newrevenue measures, spanning the period FY2018-19 toFY2022-23, thehistorical average growth rate in revenue was five per cent. At this rate, and holding macroeconomic variables constant, the receipts-based revenueprojection model estimated the tax revenue for April to December 2022 at $191.3b – $21.7b, or 11 per cent below the current outturn.TheCOVID-19pandemic and theattendant implications for the cross-bordermovementof peopleand cargo have certainly changed the JCA’s revenue growth trajectory. The revenue statistics revealed a strong recovery in international trade inflows and importantly, demonstrated the resilience of the Jamaican economy. The outturns for all tax revenue items exceeded both the preceding year as well as the pre-pandemic year, with the consumption taxes recording the strongest performance year-on-year. In terms of contribution to the total tax revenue outturn, between 2022 and 2021, the import duty item remained firm at 22 per cent – a one percentage point improvement over 2019, where the registered contributionwas 21 per cent. TheGCT itemmaintained its dominance, accounting for 42 per cent of the total tax revenue for 2022. However, this contribution was two percentage points below the 44 per cent recorded for 2021 and also one percentage point below the 43 per cent recorded for 2019. The change in contributionwas driven largelyby the continued fiscal support providedby the GOJ to productive sectors. Like import duty, the SCT’s contribution remainedunchangedat 24per cent between2021 and2022, but improvedbyone-percentagepoint from the 23 per cent registered for 2019. The travel taxes, which traditionally accounted for 10 per cent of the tax revenues, recovered from a low of three per cent in the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to six per cent in 2021, and stood at nine per cent in 2022; recovery that could be attributed to the reopening of the borders to travellers, as well as the tourism and entertainment sectors. Aggregately, at the macro level, the JCA’s contribution to the total GOJ’s tax revenue remained robust and unchanged at 41 per cent between April to December 2021 and 2022. Prior to the onset of the pandemic, this contribution, over the nine-month period ending December 2019, stood at 40 per cent. Similarly, the ratio of tax revenue from international trade and travel to gross domestic product (GDP), using the available data as at September 2022, remained unchanged at 11 per cent when compared with the first two fiscal quarters of 2019, but improved by two-percentage points, relative to the same period of 2021. Bold reforms, or operational improvements, driven by evidence-based decisions, coupled with strong recovery in economic activities may have contributed to the recovery in international trade revenues. Additionally, the impact of higher commodity prices, unprecedentedgrowth in transportationcost, and changes in key macroeconomic indicators such as inflation, interest rate and exchange rate cannot be discounted. To the credit of the JCA, its revenue assurance mechanisms prevented the avoidance or evasion of $4.07b in revenue over the period April to December 2022. This was 42 per cent more than the previous year and an almost doubling of the additional assessment registered for the same period of 2019. Undoubtedly, the promotion of knowledge-sharing, through continuous training, greater use of data analytics and the digitalisation thrust, have contributed significantly to this achievement. At the commodity level, the strong revenue performance recorded by the JCA was buoyed by the following top 10 categories – mineral fuel; beverages and spirits; motor vehicles and parts, and accessories thereof; ceramic products; machinery and equipment; plastics, and articles thereof; preparations of vegetables, fruits and nuts, or other parts of plants; furniture andbedding; rubber, and articles thereof; miscellaneous edible preparations; aswell as preparations of cereal flour, starch or milk. However, the sustainability of this revenuebuoyancymaybe threatened by several risks which may emanate from a resurgence of the COVID-19 virus, lower than anticipated global growth, disintegration or geoeconomic fragmentation, globalised inflationary conditions, the associated tightening of monetary policies and its implication for purchasing power andaggregatedemand, anchorageof recession fears andgeo-political tensions. In fact, the Council on Foreign Relations, in its 2023 survey, has highlighted some conflicts towatch, including an escalation of the war in Ukraine, security crisis in Asia, civil unrest inMexico andCentral America, as well as cyberattacks on the infrastructure of some of Jamaica’s major trading partners. International trade has long been promulgated as the pathway to sustainable growth and development. This ecosystem requires a realignment after multiple shocks, bolstered security, as well as efficient and effective actors (facilitators of the seamless movement of legitimate cargo and people across borders). The JCA, as a key actor, is cognisant of this requirement and is committed to continuous improvement, supporting new business models, and strengthening its revenue assurance mechanisms to grow its contribution to the GOJ’s total tax revenue and promote revenue adequacy, while contributing to economic stability and sustainable development. Contributed by: Shornalee Jackson, Revenue Analyst, JCA JCA’s contribution to GOJ tax revenue remains robust: entity continues to perform effectively THE PLANT Quarantine Produce Inspection (PQPI) Branch is Jamaica’s first line of defence against the introduction of exotic pests and diseases. This branch is mandated to ensure that only the highest quality, pest free plants, plant products, fresh agricultural produce and other regulated articles are exported from and imported into the island. In support of our mandate our major areas of focus for 2022 were: 1. Sensitising the Jamaican public regarding the threat of Giant African Snail 2. Improving the import process through JSWIFT 3. Trading Paperless Phytosanitary Certificates on the IPPC-Generic National System for Electronic Certificates (GeNS) 4. Expanding our services to exporters/importers through our outstations 5. Standardisation of our export processes through ISO/IEC 17020 accreditation GIANT AFRICAN SNAIL (GAS) GIANT AFRICAN SNAIL (GAS) The Giant African Snail is widespread in the Lesser Antilles, Trinidad and Cuba. It is approximately 15 cm in length and can go up to 20cm. This pest has not been detected in Jamaica. The Branch in collaboration with its stakeholders is currently conducting surveillance activities for this invasive species. Preparations are being made in the event the pest is detected. Webinars and identification training have been hosted as well as flyers distributed to aid in public awareness. JAMAICA SINGLE WINDOW FOR TRADE (JSWIFT) The branch launched the Import Permit application and Pest Risk Analysis processes on the JSWIFT Platform since March 1, 2021. This portal has been effective and has made the process of applying for an import permit and Pest Risk Analysis Plant Quarantine Produce Inspection Branch – crucial to maintaining Jamaica’s plant health Giant African Snail PLEASE SEE PLANT, 25
NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2023 25 CUSTOMS WEEK 2023 more efficient and effective. The PQPI Branch was the second Border Regulatory Agency to join this platform (Trade Board was the first). This new platform represents a change in the way Jamaica do business with the establishment and implementation of a tool that provides a one-stop shop paperless service within a single submission trade mechanism. The Single Window systemwas also implemented right in the heart of the COVID 19 pandemic. This system facilitated trade during the height of the pandemic and further help to reduce risk and improve the ease of doing business. The PQPI Branch is currently working with the JSWIFT team to launch the export platform in 2023. TRADING PAPERLESS PHYTOSANITARY CERTIFICATES Jamaica became one of the first Caribbean Countries to implement the IPPC online system ‘GeNS’ to send and receive phytosanitary certificates from other National Plant Protection Organisation. The system currently allows Jamaica to receive certificate at one instant click from any country that is registered to the platform long before the goods even reach Jamaica and vice versa. The system now allows Jamaica to trade Phytosanitary Certificates with USA, EU member states, Argentina, Costa Rica, Dominica, just to name a few. We await other Caribbean countries to quickly come on board. In 2021 Jamaica partnered with the United States Department of Agriculture and Dominica to develop a road map to provide practical information to assist other member states on how to implement this online system. PLANT QUARANTINE OUTSTATIONS As the branch continues to expand its operations to facilitate export trade across Jamaica, we recently opened an outstation at the RADA Office located in Mandeville. This office also services the parishes of St Elizabeth and Clarendon. The other existing PQ Outstations locations include: 1. Kingston Export Complex, Norman International Airport 2. Montego Bay Export Complex, Sangster International Airport 3. Boundbrook Boat Yard, Port Antonio, Portland 4. Reynolds Pier, Ocho Rios. 5. Mandeville at the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) Manchester Parish Office These outstations facilitate non-commercial export inspections of plant products such as dried herbs. CONTACT INFORMATION Plant Quarantine Produce Inspection Branch (Head Office) 193 Old Hope Road, Kingston 6 (876) 977-6401/(876) 977-0637 Email: ppq@moa.gov.jm Kingston Export Complex Normal Manley International Airport Tel: (876) 924-8906/ (876) 924-8865 Email: pqkingston@moa.gov.jm Montego Bay Export Complex Sangster International Airport Tel: (876) 940-4146 Email: pqmobay@moa.gov.jm PLANT CONTINUED FROM 24
NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2023 27 CUSTOMS WEEK 2023 JAMAICA HAS been grappling with an unfavourable balance of tradegap for thegreater part of a century, and this highly unfavourable and unsustainable situation persists. At the end of 2021, Jamaica recorded importsvaluedatUS$5.975billion, and exportedUS$1.441billion, resulting in a tradedeficit of US$4.534billion.This level of deficit is extremely alarming and demands that every Jamaican come into the realisation of the impending danger this situation poses to this andsucceedinggenerations of Jamaica’s socio-economicwell-being. Thereare several strategies that can contribute to closing our trade gap. Among the much-talked about are import substitution, and the curbing our appetite for imported goods, etc. However, undoubtedly, themost effectivewayof narrowing the tradegap is increasingour export anddeveloping a bias for imports of goods and services that will contribute togrowth in exports.Theprovenexport-ledgrowth hypothesis (ELGH) postulated that export expansion is one of the main determinants of economic growth. It is therefore, imperative that Jamaica seeks export growth. There are numerous countries that have adopted export-led growth strategies and are reaping thebenefits, countries suchas China, Ireland, SouthKorea, Singapore, HongKong,Vietnam, andmanyother emergingexport-orientedeconomies. TheMinistryof Industry, Investment, and Commerce (MIIC), dubbed, ‘The Jamaica’sBusinessMinistry’, is theparent to the Trade Board Limited (TBL). MIIC under the leadership of Senator Aubyn Hill, Minister of Industry, Investment, and Commerce, is fully cognisant of the need for Jamaica to achieve sustainable growth based on an export-oriented economy. The Trade Board Limited is therefore redoubling its effort to support exports. WHAT IS THE TBL DOING? As a trade facilitatory and regulatory entity, the TBL continues to contribute to a simplification of the export process. More importantly, the TBL provides the necessary trade-related information and know how to make export an easier understood process for our businesses. There are several initiatives that are in progress and at varying stages of development. The following are among the main developments: STEP-UP EXPORT INITIATIVE: This initiative is improving existing and potential exporters’knowledge about the benefits of the nineTrade Agreements, comprising bilateral, regional, andmultilateral agreements for which the TBL has custody. This involves sending expert teams into the field to interact directly with potential and existing exporters, and to offer hand-holding services where necessary. To date, over 70 companies have been visited by our team with encouraging feedbacks. ESTABLISHMENT OF AN EXPORT ACADEMY The TBL’s interaction with manufacturers revealed that there are businesses who could export, but refrain from doing so because they do not have the requisite knowledge. The TBL is in the process of establishing an online Export Academy to bridge the knowledge gap that will reduce the uncertainty about how to export and to give businesses the tools and confidence to seek out export opportunities globally. The Export Academy will be accessible as a free online service and is scheduled to be completed by July 2023. PROVISION OF GLOBAL MARKET INTELLIGENCE AND COMPLIANCE INFORMATION TheTBL is alsoworkingon a project that will providemarket intelligence and trade compliance information for markets around the world. At the completion of the project in the second quarter of the 2023/24 financial year, through the TBL, Jamaican businesses that register with theTBL for the service will be able to go online and identify target markets for their products and services, access relevant market intelligence and compliance information necessary. In addition, industry specific information will be accessible, as well as assistance in finding new business opportunities and counterparts. REFORMING FOR GREATER EFFICIENCY The TBL is also striving for greater operational efficiency through Export expansion, key to Jamaica’s economic growth Jamaica’s export status at a glance PLEASE SEE GROWTH, 29
CUSTOMS WEEK 2023 FEATURE | THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2023 28 ADVERTISEMENT
NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2023 29 CUSTOMS WEEK 2023 1 Importersmust make an accurate declarationof the contents of their shipment, and submit proper invoices toCustoms, to avoidor reducedelays. 2 Shipments requiring you to pay Customs duties and taxes are cleared on a Customs Goods Declaration, known as an IM4 or IMS4. Ask your Clearing Agent to provide your Customs Declaration, Customs Assessment Notice and Customs Receipt, once duties and taxes are paid. Where your Clearing Agent may not be able to provide the IM4 or IMS4, request your Customs Goods Declaration Registration Number or C-Number, which can be used to verify your payments. 3 Where applicable, importers must apply for the requisite permission, permits and/or licenses, from the relevant Ministry or Border Regulatory Agency, before importing or shipping items. 4 By law, passengers must declare to the Customs Officer, if they are in possession of US Ten Thousand (US$10,000.00) andmore (or its equivalent), andprovide documentary evidence of the source of funding. 5 Air passengers, if available, present your Taxpayer Registration Number (TRN) to the Customs Officer at the airport, if you have unaccompanied shipment; this will prevent or reduce delays when clearing your shipment at the point of clearance. 6 Items exported temporarily for repairs or commercial use, must first be registeredwith Jamaica Customs, using an Electronic Customs Declaration-EX2. Re-imported items which are upgraded, altered, or replaced may attract Customs Duty. 7 Charity organisations must ensure that Certificates of Registration are valid or up to date, before undertaking clearance. 8 You may use the ‘Appointment System’ instituted by port operators and warehouses in order to prevent or reduce wait time. Also, make use of the door-to-door delivery services offered by some agents and port operators, where possible. 9 Remember: adherence to all Customs-related requirements is necessary for the efficient processing and clearance of goods. 10 #TellUs … report any illicit activities at our borders/ports of entry. Call Crime Stop at 311. For information, visit the JCA’s website and our social media platforms. Contact us by telephone at: 876-922-5140-8 or email: public.relations@jca.gov.jm. Jamaica Customs: reminders and clearance tips digitalisation of all its processes with priority given to those process that impact export. An example was the digitalisation of the product analysis form, which has significantly sped up theprocessof product analysis andassessment for compliance tothecriteria of the respective trade agreements. WORKING IN CLOSE COLLABORATION WITH JAMAICA CUSTOMS AGENCY (JCA) Working in close collaborationwith Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA), we have been able to accomplish the use of Electronic Certificate of Origin (eCoO) that is ratified by COTED. The JCAhas beenmagnificent in their development andmanagement of our main transactional tool JSWIFT, which could easily rank as one of the largest IT projects undertaken in Jamaica or perhaps the Caribbean; doing for all Border Regulatory Agencies (BRAs) what it does for the TBL. JSWIFT has helped the TBL to improve its efficiency levels, particularly as it relates to turnaround time for the application of licences and certifications, much to the satisfaction of our clients. Through continued reform in our operations and collaborative efforts withother BRAs theTBLwill continue to innovateandstrengthen its support for Jamaica’s push to growexports as an imperative. Abigthanks toJamaica Customs Agency for their technical support and for the significant responsibility they shoulder in rolling out JSWIFT and other supporting initiatives. Thanks also to the leadership provided by the MIIC- “Jamaica’s BusinessMinistry”which has allowed us tounleashour creativity insupporting its drive for greater exports. Contributed by the Trade Board Limited GROWTH CONTINUED FROM 27
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