The Papua New Guinea Customs Service welcomed a targeting workshop delivered by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), aimed at strengthening PNG Customs' capability to target and identify high-risk commercial air cargo and postal shipments, while facilitating legitimate trade.
The Commercial Air Cargo and Postal Targeting Workshop, held in Port Moresby from August 3-4, 2026, brought together 15 PNG Customs officers for specialised training in intelligence-led risk management, targeting methodologies, and border enforcement techniques.
The workshop was facilitated by the CBSA, with support from the Australian Department of Home Affairs through the PNG Institutional Partnerships Program (PIPP).
The event reflects the growing cooperation between PNG Customs and international border agencies to address emerging threats associated with global trade, postal services and air cargo movements. It also strengthens PNG Customs' ability to intercept illicit goods while ensuring the smooth flow of legitimate trade that supports economic growth.
PNG Customs Chief Commissioner David Towe said the workshop was an important investment in the organisation's people and operational capability.
"As trade volumes continue to grow, Customs administrations must remain ahead of emerging risks. This training provides our officers with valuable skills and international best practices that will strengthen our targeting capabilities and support more effective border management," he stated.
The Chief Commissioner said the knowledge gained through the workshop would contribute directly to PNG Customs' role in facilitating trade, protecting communities and collecting Government revenue.
"When Customs becomes more effective at managing risks, the benefits extend beyond the border. Stronger compliance, improved trade facilitation and better enforcement all contribute to economic growth, Government revenue and national security."
The Chief Commissioner said the workshop also demonstrates PNG Customs' commitment to investing in its workforce.
"Over the last five years, PNG Customs has made significant progress in modernising its operations, systems and workforce," the Chief Commissioner added.
"A key priority for us is ensuring our officers are equipped with the right skills, knowledge and tools to perform their duties professionally and effectively. Programs such as this are essential in building a modern Customs administration that can meet today's challenges and tomorrow's opportunities."
Speaking through a recorded video message during the opening ceremony, Her Excellency Dr. Julie Sunday, High Commissioner of Canada to Australia, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, highlighted Canada's commitment to strengthening partnerships across the Indo-Pacific region and supporting regional security and prosperity.
"Papua New Guinea is an important partner for Canada. While our countries may not be connected by major air or sea routes, we share common values and a commitment to strengthening regional security, economic resilience and prosperity."
High Commissioner Sunday noted that commercial cargo and postal channels play a vital role in supporting economic activity but are increasingly targeted by organised criminal networks.
She said these threats are constantly evolving, and no country can address them alone. She said strong partnerships, information sharing and capacity building are essential to safeguarding our borders while facilitating legitimate trade.
Canada's participation in the workshop forms part of its broader engagement in the Indo-Pacific region and demonstrates the country's commitment to working with regional partners to strengthen border security, combat transnational crime and promote secure trade networks.
Through the sharing of expertise and operational experience, Canada is helping partner customs administrations build the skills needed to address common challenges in an increasingly interconnected world.
Chief Commissioner Towe expressed appreciation to the Canada Border Services Agency, the Government of Canada, the Australian Department of Home Affairs and PIPP for supporting the initiative.
"Border security is a shared responsibility. Partnerships such as the one we have with Australia and now with Canada create opportunities for our officers to learn from experienced counterparts and strengthen cooperation on issues that affect all our countries," the Chief Commissioner stated further.
"We look forward to continuing this valuable relationship with Canada and our regional partners."
The workshop marks an important milestone in the relationship between PNG Customs and the Canada Border Services Agency and further reinforces international cooperation in building safer borders and more efficient trade systems across the region.
Authorized by
David Towe
Chief Commissioner of Customs