The delegation, led by Ms. Zayda Manatta, Head of the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes (Global Forum) Secretariat, continued its engagement with political and technical authorities to emphasize the significance of investing in tax transparency and the exchange of information.

Today, the delegation, accompanied by the FRCS team, met with Mr. Ariff Ali, Governor of the Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF), and his team to discuss the roles and responsibilities of the RBF as the supervisor of financial institutions in implementing tax transparency standards in Fiji.

Additionally, they held discussions with Director, Financial Intelligence Unit (FFIU) Ms. Caroline Pickering, Administrator-General, Ministry of Justice Ms.Treta Sharma, and the Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Raijeli Taga regarding their respective roles in enforcing tax transparency standards in Fiji.

These meetings are part of the Global Forum’s Induction Programme for Fiji.

Furthermore, the FRCS will host a national seminar tomorrow at its headquarters in Suva, covering topics such as tax transparency standards, their role in domestic resource mobilization, the fight against illicit financial flows, the multilateral supervision of the standards’ implementation, and the implementation of tax transparency standards in Fiji.

In a high-level visit to Fiji, a delegation led by the head of the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes (Global Forum) Secretariat, Ms. Zayda Manatta engaged with political and technical authorities to raise awareness on the importance of investing in tax transparency and exchange of information. These measures are pivotal in combating illicit financial flows and enhancing mobilizing domestic resources.

This visit is part of the Global Forum’s Induction Programme for Fiji, as Fiji obtained its membership for Global Forum in November 2023. The programme is designed to assist new members in successfully implementing international standards of transparency and information exchange for tax purposes. Additionally, it prepares new members for peer reviews, as all Global Forum members commit to being reviewed against tax transparency standards.

Yesterday, the delegates from the Global Forum met with FRCS CEO Mr. Udit Singh, Assistant Minister for Finance Hon. Esrom Emmanuel, and the Attorney-General Hon Graham Leung. The discussions encompassed:

• An introduction to the Global Forum and Fiji’s commitments as a member.
• An overview of international standards of transparency and information exchange, and their role in combating cross-border tax evasion and other illicit financial flows.
• The benefits for Fiji from implementing and utilizing these standards.
• An explanation of the peer review process and the role of national institutions and stakeholders in implementing these standards in Fiji.
• Fiji’s work programme with the Global Forum Secretariat.

The high-level delegates will continue with their meetings today.

This morning, FRCS, under the leadership of CEO Mr. Udit Singh, celebrated International Women’s Day (IWD). The event was a heartfelt tribute to the unwavering dedication and contributions of women in shaping their families, communities, and nations.

Mr. Singh emphasized the importance of recognizing these efforts and the pivotal role women play in our society and at FRCS.

Observed annually on March 8th, IWD is a global day dedicated to celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It also serves as a call to action for accelerating gender parity and promoting women’s equality.

To mark this auspicious occasion, a panel discussion was organized, featuring distinguished panelists: Ms. Angela McNally, legal advisor from the Australian Tax Office (ATO) seconded to FRCS; Vodafone ATH Fiji Foundation Executive Ms. Ambalika Devi; entrepreneurs Ms. Deborah Lynn Sue and Ms. Olimiva Tabua; and Ms. Vela Naucukidi from the Fiji Rugby Union.

The panelists shared their personal stories and experiences, providing valuable insights into their journeys, challenges, and triumphs.

FRCS remains steadfast in its commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women across all divisions of the organization.

On this special day, the FRCS team extends warm wishes for a Happy International Women’s Day to everyone.

Recently our CEO, Mr. Udit Singh and our team met with the newly appointed Commissioner of Police, Mr. Rusiate Tudravu. The meeting focused on further strengthening the partnership between FRCS and the Fiji Police Force, with a particular emphasis on enhancing collaboration in various domains of national security and law enforcement.

The discussion covered a review of border security priorities and strategies to address emerging challenges more effectively. Both parties reaffirmed their strong commitment to joint efforts in areas such as intelligence sharing, coordinated operations, and the combatting of cross-border criminal activities. The meeting highlighted the critical importance of a unified approach to safeguarding the nation’s borders while ensuring robust customs enforcement and policing measures.

FRCS CEO and the Commissioner of Police agreed on the importance of continued cooperation and the exploration of new avenues for joint initiatives that bolster national security, public safety, and the economic well-being of the nation.

FRCS CEO, Mr. Udit Singh, along with members of the Executive Team, welcomed the newly appointed Indian High Commissioner to Fiji, H.E. Mr. Suneet Mehta, during his courtesy visit to FRCS this week.

During their meeting, they discussed matters of mutual interest, emphasizing the exploration of avenues for greater collaboration and capacity building.

Congratulations to the thirty emerging female customs officers, including five from the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS), who graduated from the Pacific Women’s Professional Development Program (PWPDP) today.

PWPDP, an initiative by the Australian Border Force (ABF) in collaboration with the Oceania Customs Organisation (OCO) and the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), aims to empower women in customs roles across the Pacific, enhancing their career prospects and strengthening regional security.

This six-week program equipped participants with essential leadership skills, preparing them for future challenges in global trade and fostering strong professional networks.

FRCS CEO, Mr. Udit Singh, highlighted the program’s significance in building a future where women in customs can thrive and lead with confidence, integrity, and innovation.

The program included a three-week online phase followed by a nine-day residential phase at the FRCS Headquarters in Suva.

FRCS Director of Customs and Border, Ms. Shelini Kumar, also congratulated the graduates, emphasizing that this milestone marks the beginning of transformative journeys for their careers and communities. She praised their courage, resilience, and determination in stepping out of their comfort zones and embracing growth.

Initiatives like PWPDP are crucial as customs remains a male-dominated field globally, with women comprising only 36% of the workforce and holding less than a quarter of management positions.

This year, participants from 17 Pacific nations, including the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Guam, Kiribati, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and Australia, took part in the program.

ABF Deputy Commissioner Regional Operations Vanessa Holben said the program was a testament to the ABF’s commitment to building a stronger Pacific customs family.

“By investing in the development of women in customs, we not only enhance regional capacity but also create inclusive environments. We know diverse perspectives are critical in developing innovative solutions to addressing border security challenges,” Deputy Commissioner Holben said.

The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) wishes to inform the public of the outcome of a recent court case involving an individual who attempted to retrieve a parcel without Customs clearance and resorted to threatening behaviour.

The incident transpired when the skipper of a yacht entered a local post office and menaced a female staff member and security personnel with a knife before absconding with his parcel, thereby circumventing the requisite Customs procedures.

Following legal proceedings, the resident magistrate adjudicated that the prosecution had incontrovertibly established all elements of the offense, resulting in a guilty verdict.

FRCS reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the enforcement of Customs laws and the assurance of compliance with all regulations. All visitors, including those arriving by yacht, are mandated to adhere to Fiji’s Customs Acts, regulations, and procedures while within the country. Any breaches will be addressed in strict accordance with the law.

Furthermore, FRCS reminds the public that any obstruction or threatening behaviour towards a Customs officer constitutes a grave offense under Section 123 of the Customs Act. Such actions will not be tolerated and will incur legal repercussions.

We also take this opportunity to extend our gratitude to the Fiji Police Force for their cooperation and support in upholding border security and public safety.