Abu Dhabi: Michael H. Corbin, US Ambassador to the UAE, said the UAE is the United States’ largest trading partner among Arab and Middle East countries. “In fact, the USA’s exports to UAE reached $22.5 billion in 2012, a 40 per cent increase from 2011. Trade between the USA and UAE is even larger than our export relationship with India.”
In remarks during a visit to the Abu Dhabi Customs Institute where he met with Hamad Al Hurr Al Suwaidi, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Department of Finance (DoF), the US ambassador noted that the UAE is becoming a focused hub for trade, tourism and other important economic activities, noting that major international airlines have made the UAE a base for their businesses, in addition to it having one of the largest ports, the Khalifa Port. “Thus, there is a need to have this continuous cooperation with the UAE, the leader in the development of trade infrastructure, in order to enhance the exchange of knowledge and information.”
“This visit is an opportunity to strengthen the bonds of cooperation between the two countries since the UAE has become home to many important projects such as the Khalifa port, Abu Dhabi International Airport, Dubai International Airport and the new Etihad Railway network,” he said.
Saeed Ahmad Al Muhairi, General Manager of Abu Dhabi Customs, and Dr. Tayeb Kamali, Vice Chancellor of the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT), were present at the meeting.
The visit included a tour around the Institute where the US Ambassador and his delegation was briefed on the activities of the Institute, in addition to having a chance to meet students and instructors. Corbin also looked over academic curriculums and the latest technologies used to train students.
Al Suwaidi and Corbin then sat through a presentation on the relationship and cooperation between the two parties in terms of shared experiences, courses and workshops that have been conducted in both the UAE and USA by foreign experts. In addition, a documentary was presented on the evolution of Abu Dhabi Customs since its inception and its advanced technologies.
Al Muhairi said that the visit is a reinforcement of the good relations between the General Administration of Customs and the US. It comes in line with the strong bilateral relationship and the mutual benefits that join the two entities in customs work and security.
