Every year, Pakistan Customs joins the other members of the World Customs Organisation to observe International Customs Day on January 26, 2012. This is a great moment to appreciate the significant work carried out by Pakistan Customs. This year's theme of "Borders divide, Customs connect" focuses on the importance of "connectivity" which has compelled Customs organizations around the globe to increase collaboration and co-ordination.
To keep individual economies competitive, a proper balance must be achieved between the traditional responsibility of Customs and trade facilitation. The variety of seminars and events are organised by the Federal Board of Revenue, international and national trade bodies throughout the year to facilitate dialogue and interaction. I strongly encourage Pakistan Customs and other national stakeholders to actively participate in these meetings so that information can be shared and connectivity can be achieved. Liaison with technical and other professional institutions of repute can also provide useful expertise and relevant knowledge to Customs. Such endeavours will help to promote a learning culture in our organisation and would prove beneficial for achieving revenue targets, modernisation of procedures and a facilitative trade regime.
Acquaintance and adoption of cutting edge technology is inevitable in this era of globalisation and trade liberalisation. I commend Pakistan Customs for making strenuous efforts in pursuing "information connectivity". WCO's connectivity approach has provided the framework of business-to-Customs and inter agency sharing of information, thereby enhancing the departmental efficiency, expeditious cargo clearance and facilitation of trade.
In practice, top levels of performance and service delivery requires information and use of technology. I have a strong conviction that success and continuity of reforms introduced by Pakistan Customs is only possible if Customs officers keep on trekking the information highway.
I feel confident that Pakistan Customs would increase its efforts in chalking out new plans and strategies to interact with international organizations and trade community. At the domestic front, collaboration with business and industry would enable all stakeholders to become innovative and competitive. The department has to take up all challenges and play its role in balancing its traditional responsibility ie Customs Enforcement and demanding task of greater trade facilitation.