Abu Dhabi: Federal Customs Authority officials held a meeting with Kunio Mikuriya, Secretary-General of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) last week in Abu Dhabi.
They discusssed ways to further bolster cooperation and how to face global challenges to the customs industry, as well as to streamlining trade and work at the UAE's points of entry.
According to Acting Director-General of the Federal Customs Authority Khalid Al Bustani, they also discussed the adoption of best international standards in managing risks and practices that could harm the interests of the economy and the community.
He stressed that the UAE is expected to join the Kyoto Convention sometime before mid-2010. The authority is also planning to join Istanbul Convention by the end of the year.
Inauguration
Mikuriya visited Abu Dhabi from January 20-21 at the invitation of Hamad Al Hurr, the Undersecretary of the Department of Finance.
He attended the official inauguration of the WCO Regional Office for Capacity Building (ROCB) for the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region.
Mikuriya was accompanied by the director-general of Moroccan Customs, Abdul Latif Zaghnoun, in his capacity as WCO vice-chairman for the Mena region.
ROCB Mena was established in 2007 in Dubai and has had a good start.
The opening of a new office in Abu Dhabi is aimed at enhancing its delivery and coordination of capacity building assistance for the entire region.
Zaghnoun's presence underlined the importance and expectations of this regional initiative.
