Major Developments

In 2009, the Board, Executive Management and Staff were engaged in several activities.

• New Head Office Complex in Nasese

  In preparation for the relocation to the new office in Nasese, the activities centered around finalizing the office lay-out plan, tendering for the various office fit-out works, including building, electrical and cabling, loose furniture & workstations, fire suppression system, and audio visual, to name a few. These works were quite daunting and challenging as the new premises was to be prepared to accommodate close to five (500) hundred officers of the Authority that are based in Suva. By end of June most of the crucial works for the office fit-outs were completed.

  The actual relocation of Suva offices commenced gradually in July before the official opening. On 5th August 2009, the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance officially opened the new Revenue & Customs Services Complex. These new premises will support the new organisation structure currently being designed and will help FIRCA provide better services to the people and the government.

• Reforms in FIRCA

  One of the Key Result Areas of the 2009-2010 Corporate Plan is Institutional Modernisation, and this envisaged that there would be changes to the organisation's business processes, information systems and technology, and legislation to name a few. It is also to be noted that there may changes to the organisation structure. Furthermore, the Plan stated that recommendations contained in the Reports compiled by the World Customs Organisation (WCO) sponsored Diagnostics Mission for Customs, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Study Mission would be considered and relevant recommendations implemented.

  The primary focus of the Reforms Project is to analyse FIRCA's existing business processes, and systems with a view to recommending how processes can be re-engineered to improve efficiency, and to enable FIRCA deal with the challenges of globalisation, trade liberalisation, changing business environment, and increased of technology in the commercial world.

  The Reforms Project involves process analysis and consultations with stakeholders.

• Customs Launches Intelligence Database

  In a move to increase its intelligence capacity, the Customs arm of FIRCA launched its Intelligence Database on Tuesday 19th May 2009 at the Customs House in Rodwell Road, Suva. The database would enable FIRCA to conduct real time analysis and necessary risk treatments on yachts and seizures made. The World Customs Organisation (WCO) had developed a New Strategic Direction for Customs administrations to adhere to and that the intelligence database was part of FIRCA's ongoing response to the Direction. The database was specifically designed to comply with and support the business purpose of FIRCA. It has the capability of storing seizure reports, SPA's and movement of yachts, which would allow the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU) to efficiently manage information and intelligence for increased effectiveness of border control. The database also has the flexibility to interphase with other systems.

• Staff Awareness Roadshow

  An intensive FIRCA-wide roadshow program was carried out to raise awareness among all staff on the following:

  • Corporate Plan
  • Collective Agreement
  • Code of Conduct
  • Performance Management System
  • 2009 Budget Changes

• Consultation with Stakeholders

  FIRCA continued with consultations with stakeholders, an initiative that commenced in 2008. Monthly meetings with the Fiji Institute of Accountants executives were introduced as well as quarterly meetings with the Fiji Islands Hotel & Tourism Association and other key stakeholders. Issues of concern relating to tax and customs were discussed and many resolved.