The newly approved customs reform strategy aimed at modernising the customs division, forms part of the economic reform programme by the government to transform the Seychelles economy.

Vice-President Danny Faure, who is also the Minister for Finance and Trade, said this on Tuesday when he visited the Customs Division at the Seychelles International Airport and New Port.

VP Faure was accompanied by director general for strategic planning Rupert Simeon, director of public and policy affairs Alvin Laurence, revenue commissioner Jennifer Morel and assistant commissioner of customs Ronald Cafrine.

During his visit he was taken on a tour of the Trades tax division at the cargo and arrival terminal at the Seychelles International Airport.  He then went to the Trades tax division at the New Port.

He said with the economic reform programme, it was important to modernise the customs system and bring it to international standard.

“The move is also an important factor which will facilitate trade and pave the way for Seychelles accession to the Word Trade Organisation,” he said.

VP Faure, who also talked with the staff, learned about the constraints they encounter in their daily job. 

He said the customs staff are doing a great job to ensure good service delivery but there is still room for improvement.

“Through the customs reforms, the revenue commission will bring about more changes especially in staff recruitment and training and create better working conditions,” VP Faure said.

He said he is proud today to see that all the foreigners who were working in the customs division have been replaced by Seychellois.

“And I am very proud to see Seychellois at the head of various customs department,” he added.

While talking about the working environment, VP Faure said his ministry is working in partnership with other partners to set up immediate plans to improve the physical conditions, in particular at the port.

He said there has been an improvement in the public-custom officers’ relationship and he is very satisfied.

“I have learned that the relationship between the public and the officers has improved a lot and we need to thank the public for their good cooperation,” VP Faure said.

He also congratulated the staff for their devotion and expressed his appreciation for their hard work and effort in embracing the new reforms.

Ms Morel said the customs reforms aim at tackling various problems the division faces and also simplify the various customs processes.

“We need to facilitate trade and look at the risks involved in customs. To do all that we have to set up laws,’ she said.