Fijians are set to benefit from improved border security and economic growth thanks to a new agreement between the Australian Border Force (ABF) and the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS).
The 2024-2025 Joint Work Program, part of the Fiji-Australia Vuvale Partnership, will enhance border management and support legitimate trade.
Signed by ABF Deputy Commissioner Tim Fitzgerald and FRCS CEO Udit Singh, the program marks the first anniversary of the ABF’s presence in Fiji. Over the past year, ABF officers have worked closely with Fijian border agencies and the Oceania Customs Organisation, providing training and conducting joint operations to strengthen Fiji’s ability to handle border issues.
A major focus of the program is to prevent revenue loss and encourage honest trade practices. The FRCS’s Gold Card program, which promotes compliance with customs rules, aims to create a more stable business environment in Fiji, attracting investment and boosting economic growth.
The agreement also aims to improve maritime security, intelligence, and targeting operations. It includes better screening for containers, cargo, and mail, which will help keep harmful or illegal goods out of Fiji and ensure public safety. The program also focuses on trade-related priorities within enforcement, revenue, and compliance, providing a more robust framework for safe and efficient trade operations. Fijian customs officials will benefit from the opportunity to visit Australia to learn from the ABF’s advanced border management practices, including those of the Maritime Border Command, Container Examination Facilities, and the ABF’s Detector Dog Program.
The ABF is also supporting FRCS with programs to improve workplace culture, including gender equality initiatives, leadership mentoring, and awards for innovation and leadership. These efforts are expected to create more career opportunities for Fijians, particularly women, within FRCS and related fields.
FRCS CEO Udit Singh thanked the Australian Government and ABF for their support, noting that the partnership has been crucial in modernising customs operations and building capacity within Fiji’s border management to protect the country from illegal activities and support legitimate trade and travel.
