Pointing to the changing role of the Department of Customs in advanced economies from revenue collection to increased border protection and control, Prime Minister of The Bahamas and Minister of Finance, the Rt. Hon. Perry Christie said governments must diversify its revenue sources. He was delivering the keynote address at the opening ceremony of the World Customs Organization IT Conference and Exhibition at Our Lucaya in Freeport, Grand Bahama on Wednesday, May 6.

“In the case of economically advanced countries however, the role of Customs has shifted from being primarily responsible for revenue collection to one focused on border protection and control.”

The Prime Minister referenced international trade agreements such as the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), the ongoing CARICOM-Canada negotiations and the accession to the World Trade Organization as global trends driving this shift and with it, obligations to reduce our reliance on Customs duties and taxes.

The introduction of Value Added Tax on January 1, 2015 was a significant step in this direction. With this more complicated and sophisticated tax regime comes the need for more advanced information systems, therefore the government’s efforts in collecting revenue is very consistent with the theme of the conference, "Inclusiveness through Information Technology."

"It is in our interest here in The Bahamas to pursue an inclusive approach to the introduction of the new IT systems. These new systems must bring benefits, not only to government, but also to commercial operators and to the general public who will use these services" said Prime Minister Christie.

"This, aggressive drive for automation of course includes the Bahamas Customs and Excise Department, which, even with the decline in direct Customs duties, will continue to be a very significant revenue collection agency” added the Prime Minister.

Investment by the Government of The Bahamas in the Trade Sector Support Programme, funded by the Inter-American Development Bank clearly indicates “the level of importance we place on having a modernized and efficient Customs administration" said Mr. Christie.

Representatives from over 75 countries attended this conference and with 179 member administrations, the World Customs Organization is recognized internationally as a driving force of international trade facilitation.