Customs within target to earn K2bil in revenue collection

PNG Customs Services is well within its target to earn K2 billion in its revenue collection for the 2019 budget, chief commissioner Ray Paul says.
He said in Port Moresby on Wednesday after Treasury Minister Sam Basil’s brief visit to the container examination facility (CEF) at Motukea, that they had reached about 57 per cent of the revenue collection.
“We are pretty much on target and above target for the period with revenue collection,” he said.
“The revenue collection just doesn’t happen like that by having the rates up there; it needs a good border management process.
“As you can see the CEF and I’m happy that the minister has pointed out the need to amend the laws to have higher penalties so we can pin down those who abuse the process.”
Paul said the CEF had given to the organistion the level of skills that officers now had and they were much better trained and smarter than a year ago.
“We are very thankful to our partners, our colleagues from Australian Border Force, who have been supporting us.
“The improvement in the revenue collection has come about as a result of improved business process.
“We are appreciative about the automated system for Customs data world project.
“We have covered the whole country.”
Paul urged the importing community and public to communicate with the Customs Office.
“When you see something is not right, we appeal to you to come to Customs and report it. If you are not happy about talking to any officer, contact my office so we can deal with those issues.
“As the trade wars continue to happen on the other side of the world, we are still trying our best to ensure that whatever is coming into the country is taxed correctly.
“And the level of professionalism has improved in the last five years.
“I’m thankful to the government for its support. “We continue to support and are loyal to the Government to do our best to bring in the revenue that is required.”