Mobilising strategies were at the centre of discussion at the 61st World Customs Day.

The Customs department in Cameroon is expected to fetch FCFA 638 billion for the State coffers in 2013. Finance Minister, Alamine Ousmane Mey, galvanised the entire customs family to efficiency as he presided at commemorative activities to mark this year's World Customs Day on Friday January 25 on the theme, "Innovation at the centre of customs development."

"The State budget for 2013 is FCFA 3, 236 billion. We count on the customs administration to raise FCFA 638 billion. We know that it's possible. We know that with a projected growth rate of 6.1 per cent for this year, we will not only be able to promote our economy but also create a conducive environment to let citizen enterprises to do their job and contribute to making Cameroon an emerging economy by 2035. The Head of State is totally committed to this objective and all the financial administrations be it taxation or customs will have to work hard and make it happen for the benefit of our population," Mr. Alamine Ousmane Mey said.

Speaking during the unveiling of the emblem, logo and values of the customs department erected at the Customs headquarters in the Bastos neighbourhood on Thursday January 24 likewise on January 25 at the 101 military airbase in Yaounde, the Director General of Customs, Minette Libom Li Likeng, said the customs administration is results-driven and there will be no room for error. "By inviting former staff of the customs administration to this event is some sort of going back to the source to share our customs values. This 61st international Customs Day gave us the opportunity to sit and reflect on who we are, where we are and where we are going and what we need to get there. This helps us to strategise so as to live up to expectation of what the hierarchy demands from us. We need an efficient customs administration at the service of an emerging Cameroon," she said. The event proper was on Saturday January 26 with finals of sporting competitions that spiced the celebrations.

The customs administration last year recorded a 108 per cent performance rate as it raised FCFA 595.7 billion up from the initial projected FCFA 550 billion. Records show that customs revenue has witnessed a 114 per cent increase in the last 12 years moving from FCFA 278.9 billion in 2000 to FCFA 595.7 billion in 2012.

Some highpoints of Friday's ceremony was the award of certificates to staff that excelled likewise epaulets to newly promoted officers.