Abu Dhabi, Jordan customs sign pact

In line with its efforts to strengthen cooperation with its strategic partners inside and outside the UAE, and to emphasise its role in promoting security and the exchange of information; the General Administration of Customs in Abu Dhabi signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Jordan Customs to regulate Electronic Linkage processes and the exchange of customs information. This MoU falls within the framework of developing relations between both sides to improve customs procedures. he MoU was signed in attendance of Naif Fantoul Al Zaidan, Ambassador of Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Mubarak Mattar Al Mansouri, Executive Director of Customs Operations, signed the MoU on behalf of Saeed Ahmed Al Muhairi, General Director of Abu Dhabi Customs, in the presence of Mohamed Abdullah Al Hameli, Executive Director of Administrative Affairs, in addition to a number of Directors and Managers from Abu Dhabi Customs. From Jordan Customs; Major General (Customs) Ghaleb Al Saraira, General Director of Jordan Customs, signed the MoU in the presence of Lieutenant-Colonel (Customs) Ahmed Mohamed Al Alem, Director of Information Technology of Jordan Customs. The MoU signage occurred two weeks following the conclusion of a visit from Abu Dhabi customs officers to Jordan Customs for a period of three months. These officers are being trained to become experts in the areas of tariffs, value, international agreements and rules of origin. Information Moreover, the MoU aims to organise the exchange of customs information electronically as Jordan Customs is considered to be an important exit point for a large number of shipments coming into the UAE through Saudi Arabia, and obtaining customs data directly from the exit points of Jordan will contribute to simplifying the clearance procedures for goods in Al Ghuwaifat Customs post. This will also aid in strengthening the rules of Risk Management when obtaining information on customs intelligence from Jordan Customs. Commenting on the signing of the MoU on behalf of the General Directorate of Abu Dhabi Customs, Mubarak Al Mansouri said: “This agreement reflects Abu Dhabi Customs’ mission in aiding and strengthening synergies between all parties and strategic partners inside and outside the UAE.  This goes in line with promoting a single method to completing customs procedures efficiently and towards achieving security and safety.” Major General (Customs) Ghaleb Al Saraira was pleased with the signing of the MoU, which aims to exchange information and utilize all possible methods to achieve cooperation in the field of customs between both countries. At the end of the visit, the delegation was briefed on the progress and development that Abu Dhabi Customs has attained. The visitors were introduced to the benefits to be gained through the process of Electronic Link and exchange of information between both sides, hoping to continue the consolidation of relations in various fields as well. The General Administration of Customs is the largest administration within the Abu Dhabi Department of Finance. It continued to achieve its goals and recorded a very solid figure of income for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi through the years. Currently, it holds over 1500 employees. Facilitation The main tasks of the Customs Administration includes providing protection to the local community, increasing revenues and facilitating foreign trade by reducing the security risks arising from travel and international trade. Its  tasks also include identifying and implementing the custom’ strategy of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, in addition to enhancing the Emirate’s ability to compete in foreign trade and in collecting customs duties and revenues. The Customs Administration facilitates the movement of goods and people through the customs ports by implementing international standards and best practices. From gulftoday