International Customs Day & Week 2022

NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2022 8 Jamaica’s border security. It will also enhance trade facility by focusing on inspection efforts on high risk cargo while allowing an easier flow for compliant customers. I must extend appreciation to the Jamaica Customs staff for continu- ing the mission of the JCA, and to a larger extent, theMinistry of Finance andPublic Service amid the ongoing global pandemic. As we seek to re- cover stronger, the JCA’s investments indigital transformationwill serve as important catalysts. THE HONOURABLE NIGEL CLARKE, DPHIL, MP Minister of Finance and the Public Service MISSION CONTINUED FROM 4 Messages T HE ANNUAL recognition of International Customs Day is a timely reminder of the inte- gral role the shipping industry plays in global trade and bolstering the world economy. For over eight decades, the man- date of the Shipping Association of Jamaica (SAJ) has been to promote the sustainability and growth of the country’s maritime sector. We are acutely aware of the central role the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) plays in that intricate network of trade, border security and revenue collection. This year’s theme: ‘Scaling up Customs Digital Transformation by Embracing a Data Culture and Building a Data Ecosystem’, reflects the urgent need to accelerate the industry’s digital transformation by employing greater implementation of science and technology. We acknowledge and laud efforts by the JCA to expedite its move to- wards a data-driven approach in improving our border control, fa- cilitating legitimate trade and se- curing revenue, particularly in an environment now characterised by a pandemic which continues to shape our progress. The coronavirus pandemic has demonstrated the significance of developing and adopting technol- ogies which stimulate collaboration, maximise input and create tangible gains. Digital technologies have ad- vanced rapidly over the past decade andmade information widely avail- able which can positively influence our mutual sphere of operations. Accepting that our industry is at a delicate juncture where partner- ship is valued now more than ever, those hopeful end-goals are what we strive to achieve. That notwithstanding, we also recognise that attempts to foster greater collaboration on the facili- tation of trade must be given similar importance to the JCA’s other core functions. The Shipping Association of Jamaica (SAJ) remains committed to cooperating with the JCA and other government agencies in ad- vancing the interests of the mari- time sector to sustain its viability and competitiveness. We extend best wishes to the Jamaica Customs Agency on the successful staging of another International Customs Day and its week of activities, which the SAJ is pleased to support once more. WILLIAM BROWN President Shipping Association of Jamaica We acknowledge and laud the efforts of the JCA William Brown President Shipping Association of Jamaica THE JAMAICA Manufacturers’ and Exporters’Association (JMEA) recog- nises the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) as a long-lasting and critical partner in the drive to protect and facilitate the advancement of trad- ing relations across many regional and international frontiers, in sup- port of boosting our socio-eco- nomic outlook. We are, therefore, pleased to recognise the impact of their work and acknowledge the celebrations of this year’s Customs Week under the theme: ‘Scaling Up Customs Digital Transformation by Embracing a Data Culture and Building a Data Ecosystem’. Turning the spotlight on the need to intensify the digital transforma- tion of our customs operations through the usage of big data and the development of a data-driven culture is critical to how we ap- proach the future, in optimising le- gitimate trade and protecting our borders. COVID-19 has ushered in an era of disruption but with it, a need for introspection, understanding the value of technology and fortifying our systems in all areas. This is no different where customs operations andmanagement is con- cerned, as it is at the epicentre of the supply chain mechanism. Indeed, leveraging the power of data and data analytics is part of the thrust in leading a modernised customs framework that can better assist with the seamless flow and exchange of trading information across borders, swiftly detecting fraudulent oper- ations, boosting the electronic fil- ing processes, offering real-time information, and fortifying risk Looking forward to continued partnership John Mahfood President JamaicaManufacturers’ andExporters’ Association PLEASE SEE FORWARD , 9 CUSTOMS WEEK