The Customs and Inland Revenue Department of the Republic of Vanuatu in the South Pacific joined with all the Customs Member Administrations in the globe to celebrate the International Customs Day, 26 January 2010.

This year’s theme is being devoted to the “Customs-Business Partnership: improving performance through partnership”

The underlying idea is to demonstrate and promote a policy of openness, and to encourage exchange of ideas between Customs administrations and private sector stakeholders in order to meet the challenges facing the global Customs community and international trade. This is moreover in accordance with the strategic goals set out in the Customs in the 21st Century” document.

As part of today’s celebration, invited guests from the public and private sector were asked to contribute comments and views to suggesting improving performance through partnership as way forward.

Coinciding with today’s celebration marks Vanuatu’s Accession to the World Customs Organization (WCO) as 176th Member.

Vanuatu’s Customs Head, Mr. Ben Leeshi gave the official speech.( refer to speech)