4. Mission 4.1 Our mission is to provide reliable and sustainable technology solutions to support trade facilitation systems, processes and data exchange to promote a transparent and professional environment for collaboration amongst customs administrations within the region. 5. Strategic objectives 5.1 General Objectives The objective of the SADC ICT Strategy report is to further promote reforms and continuous modernization of the SADC Countries Customs Administrations. 5.2 Specific Objectives 5.2.1 SADC Member States have already commenced work towards the following common goals – · Harmonised data exchange and IT interconnectivity. The WCO’s Globally Networked Customs (GNC) approach, including the WCO Data Model that will serve as the tool to ensure harmonised development. · A Regional Transit Management Information System. 5.2.1 The SADC ICT Technical Committee is at the same time mindful of the ambitious targets set by the SCCC as per the Strategic plan 2012-2016 , and may need to revisit the scope of its regional objectives set out above if required. 6 6.1 Environment In order to meet this mission, Customs administrations must effectively integrate modern practices and processes with ICT driven Customs management systems because ICT enable Customs to increase the quality of their control activities while, at the same time, enhancing their level of trade facilitation. An effective Customs administration that leverages technology can lead to improved transparency, greater efficiency, and enhanced security. The automation of Customs processes and procedures and the use of ICT are strongly recommended by the World Customs 5 Draft SADC Customs ICT Strategy 2012 Page 5