KINGSTON: Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Audley Shaw, is challenging the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) to identify options for improving customs activities, in order to optimise the Agency’s capacity for revenue collection. Noting that efficient customs procedures and processes are important elements in the Government’s drive for economic growth, Shaw said the JCA must be keen to maximise the detection of revenue leakage while also maintaining trade facilitation. Customs duties account for approximately one-third of total tax revenues in Jamaica, the Minister informed. Shaw was addressing the launch of a community-based initiative, ‘Customs Meets the Community’, held at Customs House at Myers’ Wharf in Kingston, today.
“Economic competitiveness and productivity are enhanced by the fostering of rapid movement across border entry or exit and we rely on the daily operation of sea and air cargo (and) international postal systems for our economic, commercial and social well- being,” the minister said.
