The Bureau of Customs (BOC) welcomed a delegation from the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) as part of its working visit to seek consultancy from the Philippine Customs for the establishment of the Tanzania Customs Laboratory Project.

The BOC, represented by Atty. Yasser Ismail A. Abbas, CESO IV, Director of Imports and Assessment Service (IAS), and his team handling the revival of the Philippine Customs Laboratory met with the TRA delegation on 28 June 2024. The visit aimed to fulfill TRA’s requirement for its public procurement of the proposed establishment of a Customs Laboratory in Tanzania. TRA has also invited the Korea International Cooperation Service (KOICS) for consultancy service.

The Tanzanian delegation was composed of six officials led by Adribert B. Tutuba, Manager of Customs Laboratory Operations, Nassor U. Siriwa, Principal Statistician, Ahmed M. Mussa, Senior Customs Officer, Juma S. Makwara, Senior Procurement Officer, Abdul I. Saidi, Tax Management Officer, and Samia Nyakunga, Senior Procurement Officer. The consultation meeting marked a significant step in the TRA’s efforts to enhance their customs operations by learning from the Philippine experience and proficiency.

The visit from the TRA officials underscores the importance of international cooperation in advancing customs operations and enhancing trade facilitation. The BOC under the leadership of Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio looks forward to continuous engagement with the TRA and other international partners in promoting efficient and effective customs services worldwide.

Commissioner Rubio said, “The BOC is honored to assist Tanzanian Customs in establishing their laboratory. This is part of our goal in maintaining close links with the customs community and collaborating in facilitating trade and improving services.”