NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2024 16 INT’L CUSTOMS DAY & CUSTOMS WEEK 2024 FEATURE ON BEHALF of the Jamaica Society of Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders, we extend warm greetings to you on this International Customs Day! As we come together to celebrate the significance of customs in facilitating global trade, we reflect on the theme for this year’s celebration: ‘Customs Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose’. The theme underscores the evolving nature of our industry and the imperative to forge meaningful partnerships for the benefit of international trade. Customs operations have traditionally been the cornerstone of cross-border movements, working closely with established stakeholders to ensure the smooth flow of goods. However, the landscape of international trade is undergoing rapid transformations, and it is essential for customs administrations to adapt by engaging with traditional partners and new collaborators. We commend the Jamaica Customs Agency for its continuing efforts to foster collaboration within the industry. By embracing both traditional and new partners, we collectively contribute to the efficiency, transparency, and security of global supply chains. The significance of engaging with traditional partners, such as importers, exporters, and customs brokers, cannot be overstated. These longstanding collaborations form the foundation of customs operations and are integral to sustaining the flow of goods across borders. It is through these partnerships that we can address challenges, streamline processes, and ensure compliance with international standards. Equally important is the exploration of collaborations with new partners, including technology providers, industry associations, and other government agencies. Embracing innovative solutions and engaging with a broader spectrum of stakeholders enable customs agencies to stay well-informed of developments in the trade ecosystem. Such partnerships contribute to the modernisation of customs processes, paving the way for increased efficiency and effectiveness. As we celebrate International Customs Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to engaging with purpose – working collectively to enhance trade facilitation, ensure compliance, and contribute to the economic prosperity of our nation. Through meaningful partnerships, we can build a customs framework that is adaptive to change and sets the standard for excellence in international trade facilitation. We look forward to continued collaboration with the Jamaica Customs Agency and other partners in the years ahead. May this International Customs Day be a moment of reflection, appreciation, and inspiration for the Customs community. Happy International Customs Day! JUNIOR WAUGH President Jamaica Society of Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders We commend the Jamaica Customs Agency for its continuing efforts to foster collaboration within the industry AS WE mark International Customs Day this year, the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) joins the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) in embracing the theme, ‘Customs Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose’. This theme aptly encapsulates the evolving and dynamic nature of customs operations in our contemporary global landscape. In an era characterised by rapid technological change and shifting trade dynamics, the role of customs authorities has expanded far beyond traditional paradigms. Today, we are called to not only uphold our foundational values, but also to forge and nurture new partnerships with clarity and purpose. This theme underlines the critical need for Customs administrations, like the JCA, to embrace innovation and engage meaningfully with both long-standing allies and new collaborators. The emphasis on adaptability and inclusivity in customs practices reflects the fluidity of international trade and the necessity for a more interconnected, efficient, and purpose-driven global trade environment. As the world continues to evolve, so too must our approaches to Customs and trade facilitation. The JCA’s initiatives, such as the Contactless Clearance Process and the Jamaica Single Window for Trade, are exemplary of this adaptive spirit. These projects demonstrate a commitment to innovation, and also a readiness to engage with diverse partners to collectively enhance our trade efficiency and compliance. As the PSOJ, we recognise and commend the forward-thinking efforts of the Jamaica Customs Agency in navigating these complexities. Your dedication to integrating cutting-edge technologies and strategic partnerships has been instrumental in driving Jamaica’s economic growth and positioning us favourably in the global market. On this International Customs Day, we celebrate the JCA’s achievements and steadfast commitment to being at the forefront of change. Your role in shaping a more cohesive and effective global trade system is invaluable, and we at the PSOJ are proud to be partners in this journey. Together, we look forward to continuing to embrace the challenges and opportunities of this new era, fostering a trade environment that is not only robust and resilient, but also inclusive and forward-looking. We extend our warmest congratulations to the dedicated Jamaica Customs team for their exceptional efforts and achievements. We anticipate your continued progress and development in the field of Customs operations. METRY SEAGA President Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica We look forward to continuing to embrace the challenges and opportunities of this new era We commend the Jamaica Customs Agency for its continuing efforts to foster collaboration within the industry.
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