The Board of the Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority has confirmed the appointment of Visvanath Das to the recently-advertised position of chief executive.

Mr Das had been acting as the chief executive for the past 10 months since the departure of Jitoko Tikolevu.

And now after the appointment, the biggest challenge Mr Das anticipates to encounter is to move the organisation from where it is to a world class organisation.

To tackle this, he has set out his focus areas. These include firstly partnership with internal and external stakeholders as well as internationally.

The other focus area is enhancing people capability and culture within the FRCA workforce.

He will also focus on technology – upgrade, online services as well as legislation – modernisation of laws particularly Customs Laws.

Reaction to appointment

On his appointment, Mr Das said: “I am deeply humbled by the confidence of FRCA Board and the Government for this exciting opportunity.

“I take this as a great responsibility for ensuring FRCA to be a world class organisation delivering excellence in revenue collection, border security, trade and travel facilitation.”

FRCA chairman, Ajith Kodagoda, said this was was a key appointment for the authority.

“The chief executive has the responsibility for achieving the authority’s Vision to be a world class Revenue and Customs Authority,” he said.

“This is by delivering excellence in revenue collection, border protection, trade and travel facilitation, whilst helping Fiji grow in line with the Fijian Government’s vision.

“Mr Das brings considerable strategic and operational leadership experience to the role.”

Mr Kodagoda said over the past 20 years, Mr Das has held a number of senior positions in FRCA.

He noted that as acting chief executive, Mr Das had been providing the strategic leadership for accelerating the transformational journey.

“He brings considerable knowledge and experience of taxation and revenue activities,” Mr Kodagoda said.

“More recently, through his leadership on behalf of Fiji as World Customs Organisation, Asia Pacific Regional Vice-Chair knowledge of Customs and border protection activities.”

Mr Das holds a number of qualifications and is a graduate of the University of the South Pacific.

He also holds an IMF accreditation as TADAT Trained Assessor and is Board Director for Investment Fiji and the Government Tender Board.

Mr Kodagoda said FRCA Board is looking forward to Mr Das’ leadership in the implementation of FRCA Transformation and Modernisation Agenda.

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