Continued Modernisation of Customs Key – Gloria Henry

President of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Gloria Henry, says the continued modernisation of Customs’ operations and processes is important in facilitating trade and investment in the country.

“The very design of our border controls, our systems and our processes can add to economic competitiveness and productivity, by fostering rapid movement and border entry or exit,” she said while addressing a symposium on Monday (January 25) at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in Rose Hall.

She noted that delays in processing border movements could put pressure on the country’s ports, with rippling effects for integrated logistics and supply chains, and the economy at large.

Miss Henry said her vision for customs administration in Jamaica “is to be open, transparent and more efficient, making life easier for people and businesses.”

“To achieve this, Jamaica Customs must modernise internally as well as in its relations with the public,” she pointed out.

She commended the Jamaica Customs Agency on its drive to engage the stakeholder community in its quest to modernise its processes.

Among a range of proposals towards this end include implementation of an e-service portal for online completion of all forms and application processes, as well as self-service tools to help traders and brokers manage their clearance arrangements.

“Everyone here has a role to play in transforming our society and economy to become fit for the digital age and I urge the Jamaica Customs Agency to continue its pursuit to develop strategic processes and systems, so that Jamaica does not fall behind in its digital transformation,” Miss Henry said.

Approximately 200 persons attended the symposium, which was hosted by the JCA, as part of activities to observe Customs Week from January 25 to 29.

The symposium was aimed at advancing the JCA’s initiatives towards the digitalisation and automation of its business procedures with the aim of enhancing efficiency in its operations.