On Thursday 13th June 2024, the International Affairs Committee met with two representatives from the Trade Department and the Seychelles Revenue Commission (SRC) to discuss the Convention on the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC), formally known as the Convention on the Simplification and Harmonisation of Customs Procedures (as amended).
The meeting was led by the Chairperson Hon. Waven William, who was accompanied by Vice-Chairperson Hon. Wavel Woodcock, Hon. Kelly Samynadin, Hon. Phillip Monthy, Hon. Rachel Spiro and Hon. Egbert Aglae. Assistance was provided by Committee Secretary Ms. Emma Didon, and Assistant Secretary Mr. Darel Atala. Representing the Trade Department was Principal Secretary Mr. Francis Lebon alongside the representative of the SRC, Commissioner of Customs Mr. Paul Barrack.
The meeting was held in fulfilment of the IAC’s mandate to produce a report on all International Agreements prior to ratification by the House. The meeting began with a thorough explanation of the purpose of the RKC by P.S. Lebon and Commissioner Barrack, and the importance of acceding and ratifying the document, for Seychelles. The benefits highlighted include smooth exportation procedures and the opportunity to negotiate and set new standards at meetings of the World Customs Organisation. Explanations on Seychelles’ reservations on Specific Annexes of the Convention were also offered, noting that they represented the 10 percent gap Seychelles must bridge to be wholly compliant to the Convention via national legislation.
Enquiries on the RKC revolved around clarifications on the reservations on the Specific Annexes and the SRC’s capacity to evolve with the advancements in trade procedures and capacity-building. On the latter, extensive discussions were held along with enriching recommendations from the IAC. To conclude, the Committee thanked the representatives and expressed thorough support for the ratification of the RKC.
