A groundbreaking initiative is set to transform customs administration across Pacific Island nations and enhance regional trade development. The World Customs Organization (WCO) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have jointly launched the Pacific Islands Master Trainer Program (PMF), designed to cultivate local expertise in the Harmonized System (HS) of commodity classification.
The program addresses a critical challenge facing resource-constrained Pacific Island nations - building professional capacity in HS classification, which serves as the global standard for categorizing traded goods and ensuring smooth international commerce.
Comprehensive Capacity Building Approach
The PMF initiative features a carefully structured, multi-phase approach to sustainable capacity development:
- Customized Curriculum: Training content will be tailored to address specific regional needs and challenges identified through close collaboration with participating customs administrations.
- Blended Learning: Combines theoretical instruction with practical case studies through both online and in-person sessions.
- Field Experience: Participants will visit customs operations in other countries to observe HS classification processes firsthand.
- Instructional Training: Includes simulated teaching sessions with coaching from WCO and JICA experts to develop training competencies.
- Continuous Evaluation: Regular assessments will guide program adjustments to maximize effectiveness.
Building Regional Expertise
The program aims to establish a regional network of HS classification specialists who will:
- Apply advanced HS classification standards to improve trade efficiency and reduce disputes
- Serve as trainers to build capacity within their own and neighboring countries
- Advance professionally within their customs administrations
International HS experts from multiple countries will provide technical support through direct instruction, case analysis, practical guidance, and sharing of global best practices.
Initial Progress and Future Outlook
The program's first activity - an HS Classification Sub-Regional Working Group (GT1) meeting - was successfully conducted virtually in October 2021. Twelve customs officials from six Pacific Island nations participated in workshops addressing implementation challenges, with knowledge sharing from WCO, Kenya Revenue Authority, and Japan Customs experts.
Participants developed a collective work plan to achieve the PMF's dual objectives through progressive follow-up activities. The initiative will continue evolving through ongoing collaboration between WCO, JICA, and participating nations.
The program primarily serves customs officials from Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu and other Pacific Island nations. Its ultimate goal is establishing a regional resource platform for sharing training materials, expertise, and collaborative problem-solving in HS classification.