The Finance Ministry celebrates International Customs Day yesterday. The day was celebrated under the theme: Customs Bolstering Recovery, Renewal and Resilience for a Sustainable Supply Chain''. Finance Minister Iipumbu Shiimi said in a message read on his behalf that the COVID-19 pandemic placed increased pressure on trade and investment opportunities. Shiimi said Namibia is excited by the recent launch of the African Continental Free Trade Area as a renewal of the supply chain. He said the area brings many opportunities to strengthen intra-Africa trade and access to new markets and revenue streams. Shiimi said customs administrations will be an integral part of initiatives that will unlock and leverage Namibia's competitiveness and enhance continental and global trade logistics. Southern African Customs Union (SACU) Executive Secretary, Paulina Elago said the region saw the COVID-19 disrupt its supply chains. She said despite these disruptions, SACU has ensured that essential goods continue to move across borders The event saw 20-customs and excise officials being awarded certificates of merit for outstanding services.