On 7 October 2026, the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) officially welcomed Ms. Satsuki Kondo, Regional Manager for Capacity Building in the Pacific Islands from Japan Customs, who will be based in Fiji under a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) signed between FRCS and Japan’s Customs and Tariff Bureau, Ministry of Finance. The MOC establishes a framework to enhance technical cooperation between the two customs administrations, focusing on capacity building, knowledge transfer, and alignment with international customs standards. This appointment deepens the longstanding relationship between Fiji and Japan and reflects Japan’s continued support for customs modernisation across the Pacific under the Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM) framework. FRCS anticipates that the partnership will strengthen staff expertise, adopt international best practices, and further align its operations with global customs standards.
Key Takeaways
- Memorandum of Cooperation Signed: A formal MOC between FRCS and Japan’s Customs and Tariff Bureau creates a structured framework for sustained technical cooperation and capacity building in customs administration.
- Dedicated Liaison Officer Deployed: Ms. Satsuki Kondo will serve as the primary point of contact for technical cooperation, ensuring support is direct, sustained, and tailored to FRCS’s specific needs.
- Alignment with Global Standards: The partnership aims to strengthen FRCS staff expertise, adopt international best practices, and align Fiji’s customs operations with global standards, supporting broader Pacific regional integration.
Disclaimer: This article is compiled and summarized by the AI based on publicly available information and is for general information purposes only. It does not constitute any form of formal tax advice, legal opinion, or basis for performance. Please consult a qualified professional tax advisor or legal counsel for tax advice.
Source: Read Official Announcement