22-23 May 2025, Guam

22-23 May 2025, Guam 

The Oceania Customs Organisation (OCO) Annual Conference, graciously hosted by the Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency and the Oceania Customs Organisation, was held with participation from Customs administrations across the Pacific region, partner agencies, and international institutions. The event provided a dynamic platform to strengthen regional cooperation, enhance technical capabilities, and discuss shared goals in customs modernization.

The Regional Office for Capacity Building (ROCB) was honoured to attend as a partner agency, engaging with World Customs Organization (WCO) Members and non-Members in an open and collaborative spirit. The Conference facilitated constructive dialogue around shared challenges and solutions in Customs, such as technology adoption and institutional strengthening.

On Day 2 of the Informal Customs Heads and Partners Conference, there was a panel discussion on “Building Capacity and Empowering Customs Administrations through Training and Technology,” moderated by Professor David Widdowson of the Centre for Customs and Excise Studies (CCES). The ROCB contributed to this session as one of the panellists, sharing insights into the activities of WCO’s Capacity-Building and the role and direction of the ROCB. It also attracted non-Members of the WCO to enrol in order to receive its support.

In addition to formal sessions, the conference allowed for a range of informal discussions and bilateral meetings, where ROCB connected with Customs leaders and stakeholders to better understand the specific assistance needs of Pacific Island. ROCB also engaged in productive discussion with the OCO Secretariat, exploring better collaboration. 

Another significant meeting took place with representatives of the Asian Development Bank (ADB). This dialogue focused on more concrete cooperation to support the Pacific’s Customs modernization efforts, particularly through technical assistance on Regional collective needs. The ROCB provided with the ADB on its idea, and both sides confirmed continued dialogue to move it forward.

The ROCB extends its sincere appreciations to the OCO, Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency, and all other participants for all the discussions. The ROCB remains committed to continuing its work with partners across the Pacific through capacity-building activities.

For more information, please contact rocb@rocbap.org