THE Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority allows for the development vision of the national budget to become a reality, says the Ministry of Finance permanent secretary Mr Filimoni Waqabaca.
Speaking at the International Customs Day celebrations today, he commended the FRCA team for rising up to meet the challenge thrown at them by the Ministry on revenue collection where the bar is raised year by year.
“You are the ones who bring in the revenue that is needed to finance the developments we plan. While our budget team has a vision for the economy, you are the ones who help make that vision a reality,” Mr Waqabaca said.
FRCA exceeded expectations in 2013 when it collected $1.860billion against the target of $1.852bn.
He also touched upon the theme for this year’s celebrations: “Communication: Sharing information for better cooperation”.
“Information sharing and cooperation with our stakeholders and development partners continues to be vital in order to prevent transnational crimes.”
The permanent secretary said having good communication strategy leads to an informed society as it will improve compliance and therefore revenue collection which was important not just to Government but also the nation.
Mr Waqabaca said it was due to the information sharing that interceptions at Fiji’s borders and that of neighbouring countries like Australia, New Zealand and other Pacific island countries were made.
He highlighted one of most important projects undertaken by FRCA which was the implementation of ASYCUDA World.
This enables Fiji to share correct information with customs administration in the region and the world in a timely and enhanced manner.
“In addition to having sound information system and modern technology, human resources capacity building is imperative to support such frameworks,” Mr Waqabaca said.
The event was also attended by Oceania Customs Organisation members.
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