The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

THE Customs Comptroller yesterday said the department’s Trade Sector Support initiative was proceeding at “full throttle” as it unveiled a two-year training programme with the World Customs Organisation (WCO).

Dr Geannine Moss said the move will provide Customs officers with technical, specialised, executive and general training. “Today marks a significant milestone in the development of the Customs Department,” she explained.

“In conjunction with the WCO a two-year training programme was developed to enhance institutional knowledge and increase organisational capacity. Today marks the initiation of the training programme that will integrate industry best practices and international standards.”

Dr Moss added that the Government secured a $16.5 million Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) loan for the Trade Sector Support programme in 2012. It was launched in 2013, consisting of three components: The strengthening of Customs management and capacity; the electronic single window (ESW); and the enhancement of an international trade institutional platform, all in an effort to improve operational efficiency and prepare for World Trade Organisation (WTO) accession.

Kunio Mikuriya, the World Customs Organisation’s secretary-general, said the training programme will include a series of 26 courses. “When the Bahamas joins the World Trade Organisation you need to be prepared,” noted Mr Mikuriya. “We hope we can improve the efficiency and effectiveness in Customs procedures.”