Koror, Palau – February 23, 2026 — The Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (BCBP) officially commenced a four-day Risk Management Workshop on Monday, facilitated by Japan Customs, aimed at strengthening Palau’s risk-based border management framework through knowledge exchange and technical cooperation.
The workshop provides an overview of how Risk Management is structured and implemented within Japan Customs, including passenger targeting methodologies, utilization of CEN data, trader categorization and selectivity systems, x-ray image analytics, and practical case studies. The sessions are designed to equip Customs and Biosecurity officers with practical tools and strategic approaches to address operational challenges in Palau and to develop an actionable plan moving forward.
The Japan Customs delegation facilitating the workshop includes Ms. Yuko Tsuda, Deputy Director of the International Cooperation Division; Ms. Aimi Matsumoto, Assistant Director of the Office of International Cooperation; and Mr. Kenji Matsumoto, Inspector of Yokohama Customs.
This workshop is made possible through the technical cooperation program from Japan Customs. Similar partnership has also supported key advancements in border security infrastructure, including collaboration with JICS for the installation and procurement of new x-ray equipment at the Airport, Cargo Facility, Non-Intrusive Inspection Facility, and Post Office. These enhancements reflect Japan’s continued commitment to supporting Palau’s modernization efforts.
BCBP Acting Director Joline Spesungel emphasized the importance of strategic cooperation in strengthening risk-based approaches, stating, “Risk management is the cornerstone of modern Customs administration. Through our collaboration with Japan Customs, we are not only enhancing our technical capacity, but also reinforcing a shared commitment to intelligence-driven border security. For a small island administration like Palau, applying targeted, data-informed strategies allows us to safeguard our borders efficiently while facilitating legitimate trade and travel. This partnership demonstrates how cooperation and knowledge exchange can directly translate into stronger operational effectiveness.”
Ms. Yuko Tsuda highlighted the value of continued collaboration between both administrations, stating, “Strengthening risk management systems requires continuous learning, cooperation, and mutual trust. Japan Customs is pleased to share our experience in passenger targeting, x-ray analytics, and intelligence utilization. Through this partnership with Palau, we aim to deepen our cooperation and support the development of sustainable, risk-based approaches that align with international standards while addressing local operational realities.”
The workshop will conclude with the development of an action plan tailored to Palau’s operational environment, ensuring that the knowledge and technical insights gained are incorporated within BCBP’s risk management framework.
