The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) and the Australian Border Force (ABF) have launched a new Joint Work Program aimed at enhancing collaboration on border security. Signed in Suva by ABF Deputy Commissioner Tim Fitzgerald and FRCS Chief Executive Officer Udit Singh, the program covers the period from 2024 to 2025 and coincides with the one-year anniversary of the ABF’s operations in Fiji, as part of the Fiji-Australia Vuvale Partnership.
According to a statement from FRCS, the ABF has had two officers stationed in Fiji over the past year as part of its Pacific Network. These officers have worked closely with local border agencies and the Oceania Customs Organisation, conducting workshops, training sessions, and joint operations.
Their contributions have greatly improved Fiji’s capacity to manage new border challenges across the maritime, aviation, and cargo sectors. A focal point of this collaboration is addressing revenue leakage and promoting legitimate trade and travel via FRCS’s Gold Card initiative, which encourages compliant trading practices.
The ABF has also organized visits to Australia for FRCS officials, allowing them to gain firsthand insights into Australian border management practices, including maritime border command, container examination facilities, and the ABF’s Detector Dog Program.
The newly established Joint Work Program aims to further enhance these initiatives by improving capabilities in critical areas such as maritime security, intelligence, targeting operations, and container screening processes.
ABF Superintendent Uriah Turner emphasized that while progress has been made, much work remains. By formalizing their partnership, both agencies aim to better focus their efforts on addressing border security vulnerabilities for the benefit of both nations.
Udit Singh, CEO of FRCS, expressed gratitude for the Australian Government and ABF’s support in bolstering Fiji’s border management and security. He highlighted the importance of the partnership, which aids in customs modernization, technical assistance, and capacity building, thus improving FRCS’s effectiveness in border protection, security, trade facilitation, revenue, and compliance.
Singh noted that the formalization of their partnership will significantly enhance FRCS’s ability to meet its strategic goals of safeguarding borders against illicit activities while facilitating legitimate trade and travel.