The Pacific Islands Tax Administrators Association (PITAA) was pleased to be represented by its Head of Secretariat, Mr. Petero Maivucevuce, at the 27th Oceania Customs Organisation (OCO) Annual Conference, held in Guam from 21 to 23 May 2025. Themed “Driving Efficiency, Security and Sustainability: Strengthening Customs in the Pacific,” the conference brought together customs leaders, development partners, and regional institutions to advance dialogue and action on shared priorities.
With over nine PITAA member countries being part of the OCO membership, PITAA’s engagement in this high-level forum reaffirm’s the Secretariat’s commitment to promoting stronger collaboration between tax and customs authorities across the region. With increasing pressure to modernise revenue systems, enhance compliance, and protect Pacific economies from illicit trade and undervaluation, the alignment of customs and tax operations has never been more critical.
“The value of regional cooperation cannot be overstated. Forums like this provide the space to share innovations, confront shared challenges, and reinforce our collective capacity to build resilient revenue systems,” said Mr. Maivucevuce.
“Customs and tax agencies working hand in hand is essential for strengthening border integrity and safeguarding national revenues,” he added.
The conference featured sessions on customs digitalisation, data-driven operations, and the use of artificial intelligence to improve risk targeting and enforcement. These discussions were particularly relevant to PITAA’s focus on digital transformation and capacity building within tax administrations.
The conference concluded with a strong emphasis on building capacity through training and technology, an area that aligns with PITAA’s ongoing work to professionalise tax administrations and strengthen institutional resilience across the Pacific.
The 27th OCO Annual Conference provided an invaluable platform for enhancing regional partnerships and reinforcing the interconnectedness of tax and customs systems in achieving effective revenue mobilisation. PITAA extends its sincere gratitude to the OCO Secretariat and the host nation, Guam, for their warm hospitality and looks forward to continued collaboration that drives progress for all Pacific Islanders.