Customs leaders from 24 Pacific administrations will gather in Fiji from 2–4 June 2026 for the 28th Annual Conference of the Oceania Customs Organisation (OCO), reaffirming their shared commitment to protecting Pacific communities, securing borders, facilitating trade, and supporting sustainable economic growth across the Blue Pacific.
Hosted by Fiji in its capacity as Chair of the OCO, the conference will bring together Heads of Customs, senior government officials, development partners, and international organisations under the theme, “Scaling Up the Commitment of Customs to Protect and Grow Our Pasifika Communities.” As the Pacific faces increasing challenges from transnational organised crime, evolving trade patterns, and growing demands on border agencies, discussions will focus on strengthening regional cooperation and enhancing the capabilities needed to address these emerging threats.
Recent large-scale narcotics seizures across the region have underscored the growing interest of organised criminal networks in exploiting Pacific maritime and aviation routes.
Human trafficking, illicit financial flows, customs fraud, environmental crimes, and the smuggling of prohibited goods continue to pose significant risks to the social and economic wellbeing of Pacific nations.OCO Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS), Udit Singh says Customs administrations play a vital role in safeguarding communities while enabling economic development.
Singh says Customs today is far more than a border agency; they are guardians of our communities, facilitators of trade, protectors of government revenue, and partners in economic growth.
He says the work of Customs directly impacts the prosperity, safety, and resilience of our Pacific nations.
Singh says that while Pacific countries are geographically dispersed, they face many common challenges that require a....
