The Customs Administration marked Friday its 20th anniversary at a ceremony attended by Vice PM and Finance Minister Zoran Stavreski, representatives of the government, diplomatic corps, academic and religious communities as well as former directors of the Customs Administration.

The Customs Administration was established in April 1992 with the adoption of a law on customs administration.

"The inauguration of such institution at the time was crucial for country's independence and even today it is one of the main pillars of the Republic of Macedonia," Minister Stavreski said addressing the ceremony.

He stated that nowadays there was a need of customs administrations to be accountable and agile more than ever. "In order to address the demands, important reforms and modernization of the Customs Administration is necessary. To meet these goals, all interested parties should provide support, including the government, institutions and the private sector," the FinMin said.

The Customs Administration, Stavreski continued, plays a significant role in boosting economic development by mitigating legal trade, protecting the national economy and combating crime.

He noted that the administration with continuous support by the government would aim at being an effective customs institution focused on meeting the needs of modern trade, protecting the environment and improving the opportunities of the business community.

On occasion of the jubilee, "The Monograph of Customs Administration" was launched at the ceremony.