International Customs Day & Week 2022

NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2022 4 Messages THE JAMAICA Customs Agency (JCA) joins the international cus- toms community in celebrating International Customs Day 2022, under the theme: ‘Scaling up Customs Digital Transformation by Embracing a Data Culture and Building a Data Ecosystem’. The Government of Jamaica has prioritised the expansion of its dig- ital ecosystem as a key component of providing quality public service delivery. Various government agen- cies are implementing far-reaching digitalisation projects that will en- hance their processes and out- puts. At the JCA, for example, the development and roll-out of the Jamaica Single Window for Trade (JSWIFT), an integrated system, al- lows traders to submit information at a single point to fulfil all import, export or transit regulatory require- ments. JSWIFT will, among other things, allow for faster processing of Licences, Permits, Certificates and any other international trade-related documents (LPCO), applications, decrease cost due to reduction in delays, increase trans- parency and foster real-time avail- ability of information. On January 10, 2022, it became mandatory for all individuals or companies import- ing any of the commodities regu- lated by the Jamaica Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Authority (JACRA) to make their applications via the digital platform, JSWIFT. This increased efficiency among various companies and border regulatory agencies will have macro andmicro level effects, and is in keeping with Jamaica’s vision 2030 plan. The JCA’s Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) also re- flects the GOJ’s strategy in building a digital and data-driven culture, contributing to greater efficiency, transparency and high perfor- mance among public sector enti- ties. ASYCUDA continues to allow for greater and better data collection that supports several key govern- ment policies. Digital transformation within the JCA also plays an important role in enhancing border security. The Master Plan for the integration of the Non-Intrusive Inspection Programme (scanner) Under the Control of the Jamaica Customs Agency has been completed. The plan involved the procurement of new scanning system to improve IT IS with great pleasure that I join in the celebration of International Customs Day, this year, under the theme: ‘Scaling up Customs Digital Transformation by Embracing a Data Culture and Building a Data Ecosystem’. The Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) is a critical institution in the functioning of our economy, both as a vital revenue-earner for the public sector and also as a service provider for importers and exporters. As an island nation, Jamaica depends on international trade, both as a source of goods that are not produced here and as a means to penetrate markets for our goods and services. The efficiency of the JCA plays an important part in determining the overall competitiveness of the Jamaican economy. The theme for this year’s cele- bration is timely as we navigate the challenges emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic. With digital operations becoming increasingly dominant across the world, the JCA must continue focusing on being at the cutting edge of the deployment of technology in facilitating trade across borders. Ongoing digital transformation will be necessary if our customs operations are to keep up with ever-evolving international standards. Jamaica is uniquely positioned to take advantage of its geographic and other advantages to become a global logistics hub, and the JCA is a key organisation in achieving this great potential economic driver for our people. The current overhaul of the Customs Act will help to under- pin the operational effectiveness of the JCA in achieving these immense possibilities. I want to take this opportunity to thank the management and staff of the JCA for their contin- ued service to our nation. We are grateful to you for regulating the movement of merchandise over our borders, restricting the flow of contraband and illegal weapons through our ports of entry, and ensuring that goods coming into the country are in keeping with international health and safety guidelines. In celebrating Customs Week, I wish you all the best with the planned activities as you continue upholding your motto, ‘Country Above Self ’. MARK J. GOLDING, MP Leader of the Opposition Continue upholding your motto, ‘Country Above Self’ Mark Golding, MP Leader of the Opposition PLEASE SEE MISSION , 8 I extend appreciation to Jamaica Customs staff for continuing the mission of the JCA The Honourable Nigel Clarke, DPhil, MP, Minister of Finance and the Public Service CUSTOMS WEEK