Customs chiefs agree to implement revised Kyoto agreement

West and Central Africa Customs chiefs have agreed to play a central role in the implementation of the revised Kyoto agreement on easing trade and to push on with the 2013 Niamey Declaration on the role of inspection companies.

This was one among a series of measures adopted as they concluded discussions during their 19th conference that ended in the Cameroonian capital.

The customs chiefs also during discussions endorsed a series of measures to improve exchange between regional administrations and information sharing with the private and public sectors.

The customs officials featuring Cameroon’s Director General of Customs Minette Libom Li Lekeng, solicited government’s support in reinforcing controls and fighting contraband. They also emphasised the need for improved communication and knowledge-sharing for better co-operation.

On the sidelines of the high level meeting, the Minister of Trade Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana granted audience to a delegation from the World Customs Organisation, led by its Secretary General – KUNIO Mikuriya.

Both parties discussed strategies to facilitate trade and partnerships to improve the output of the customs administration. The most exalting challenge in the sector are the realities of the Economic Partnership Agreements currently being negotiated by ACP countries and the European Union.

To cushion the effects of the ensuing huge loss in customs duties that fund a majority of the budgets of various states, the customs administrations and governments are presently exploring new advenues.

Some include squeezing more taxes from internal sources, spotlighting on other roles of the custom that have been in the background or negotiating a better deal with the EU through regional blocks.