On 28 October 2026, the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) hosted a delegation from French Customs in New Caledonia to strengthen regional customs cooperation. The meeting, led by FRCS Director Border Shelini Devi and French Customs Director Cédric Rollet, focused on establishing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), enhancing intelligence sharing, and implementing officer exchange programs. This engagement builds on Fiji’s previous term as Chair of the Oceania Customs Organisation (OCO) and underscores a commitment to collective border security, trade facilitation, and combating transnational crime across the Pacific. Both administrations agreed that closer collaboration will improve information exchange, enhance officer capabilities, and strengthen the region’s collective response to emerging customs risks.
Key Takeaways
- Formalizing Cooperation via MOU: The proposed Memorandum of Understanding will provide a structured framework for sustained collaboration, including joint operations, capacity building, and harmonized customs procedures.
- Intelligence Sharing and Officer Exchanges: Enhanced intelligence sharing and reciprocal officer placements will enable both administrations to leverage best practices, improve risk profiling, and address illicit trade networks more effectively.
- Regional Security and Trade Facilitation: The partnership aligns with broader Pacific goals of securing borders while facilitating legitimate trade and travel, reinforcing Fiji’s role as a regional customs leader.
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