UAE’s trade experience highlighted

Ahmed Butti Ahmed, Executive Chairman for Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporations, highlighted Dubai’s experience in promoting trade activities while maintaining high security practices during a conference hosted by Google Ideas, held recently in Los Angeles, California. Ahmed Butti Ahmed who is also the Director General of Dubai Customs made the call to strengthen the exchange of information on illicit networks to help curb the proliferation of the smuggling of illegal contraband during the Google network’s creative think tank, which was attended by over 200 experts and specialists involved in security issues, and the protection of ports and borders, and the fight against illicit networks. Dubai Customs, as pointed out by Butti, is constantly striving to strengthen international and regional co-operation; promoting the bilateral collaborations between concerned authorities from around the world. Aside from making the call for reinforcing the exchange of information, Butti also pointed out that a lot can be learned from successful experiences and best practices made in order to curb these illicit networks. The summit, which was held under the theme ‘Illicit Networks: Forces in Opposition,’ aimed at highlighting the major challenges faced by the airport management sector, particularly across important ports around the world while also throwing the spotlight on best practices used to intercept and combat illicit global networks. Butti participated in a special panel discussion that was moderated by the Secretary General, International Criminal Police Organisation. Also joining were the Deputy Executive Director of Los Angeles World Airports and the CEO of Panama Canal. During the discussion, Butti revealed that Dubai Customs has adopted the latest advanced inspection technology systems and devices over the last two years. One particular example he cited was the use of a new system for the inspection and examination of mobile trucks. The system, which makes use of radiometric surveying techniques, can examine trucks without asking them to stop, avoiding manual inspection that poses risk to custom inspectors. One of the devices being used can examine and inspect 150 trucks per hour. According to the Dubai Customs top official, the UAE is committed towards ensuring free movement of passengers and the easy transfer of goods, giving the assurance that the country does not want to tighten restrictions on people and goods movement as the UAE continues to remain open to the world and maintains strong friendly ties with countries from all over the globe. “The UAE is currently home to more than 200 nationalities, which puts our customs officers and security personnel in front of a big challenge on a daily basis. This is why Dubai Customs remains fully committed in adopting the latest advanced inspection technology systems and hire the best qualified human resources and provide them with high-quality training courses, in addition to the tightening sanctions against smugglers of contraband goods and counterfeit products. During the last few years, Dubai Customs has intensified its efforts in facilitating the movement of legitimate trade while ensuring the highest level of social security and protecting the rights of companies.” From gulftoday