New Zealand to advise on modernizing Customs, SSS

THE PHILIPPINES has tapped New Zealand to assist in the modernization of the Bureau of Customs (BoC) and the Social Security System (SSS), the Department of Finance (DoF) said.

The DoF said in a statement Sunday that the arrangement arose out of discussions between Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III and New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines Peter Kell in a recent online meeting.

Mr. Kell said New Zealand can advise on the ongoing Customs modernization project. He added that his government can provide training and make available experts to help the BoC improve with trade facilitation and border protection.

The modernization program aims to digitize the BoC’s processes and bring its systems in line with international standards. The P5-billion project also aims to reduce trade costs.

For SSS, Mr. Kell said the government of New Zealand is in the final stages of completing a program of financial assistance for state-run funds to enhance claim approvals for pensions and other benefits.

Meanwhile, the two sides have also reached “significant progress” on a project that will sustain New Zealand’s support to the agriculture sector and agribusiness in Mindanao.

New Zealand has extended $2.69 million to support Mindanao agriculture livelihoods through the United Nations International Organization for Migration (IOM).

New Zealand, along with the IOM, provided a combined P64.25 million in financial assistance to help the Philippines respond to the pandemic, especially in Mindanao.

Also donated were 35 cold storage units to ensure that vaccines are distributed with no spoilage. — Beatrice M. Laforga