Customs Crucial in Tough Economic Times

Customs Even More Crucial in Tough Economic Times: RAMSI

Submitted Fri, 19/06/2009 - 5:03pm

Friday 19 June 2009

A modern, effective Customs Division that can maximize revenue collection is even more crucial to Solomon Islands in light of the current global economic crisis, RAMSI’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Justin Fepuleai, said this week.

Mr Fepuleai made the remarks when opening a workshop on strategic management organised by RAMSI’s Customs Modernisation Program.

“Customs is not always that visible to the general public but its work, particularly in collecting revenue, has a significant impact on Solomon Islands prosperity and security,” Mr Fepuleai said.

“As Solomon Islands, like all other countries, feels the impact of reduced revenue flows, the work of customs becomes even more crucial.”

Mr Fepuleai said the workshop was a good example of the capacity building RAMSI programs are carrying out in partnership with the Solomon Islands Government and its various agencies.

RAMSI’s Customs Modernisation Program works with Solomon Islands Customs and Excise Division on a range of activities to build the knowledge of Customs Offices and improve business practices.

Each year the Program hosts a workshop for Customs executive and senior managers, this year’s workshop focused on Strategic Management.

”Strategic Management is an area of critical interest in today’s rapidly changing and globalizing business environment,” the program’s manager, Christine Heiser said this week.

“This course utilizes contemporary approaches to strategic management, strategic thinking, leadership, innovation and organizational effectiveness.”

Previous workshops have included Operational Decision making, Leading Change and Executive Leadership.

This week’s workshop was facilitated by Divine Word University from Madang in Papua New Guinea.

Most participants are from Customs there are a small number from other government agencies.

ENDS

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