World Customs Organisation conference starts in Dubai

Dubai: His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, attended Tuesday’s opening of World Customs Organisation Information Technology conference (WCO IT) and Exhibition, under the theme of ‘Effective Solutions for Coordinated Border Management’.

The conference will discuss issues related to borders and ports security as well as ways to facilitate foreign trade.

The three-day event was also attended by Shaikh Maktoum Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Shaikh Majid Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority.

In his keynote speech, Lieutenant-General Shaikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of UAE and Minister of Interior, highlighted the importance of borders and ports security in the development process for any country.

“UAE government is joining efforts to support and develop the boarders, ports and customs authority authorities,” he said.

“Our role is to find effective solution for better border management by exchanging knowledge, best practices as well as by proper coordination with neighbouring countries.”

Shaikh Saif remarked that customs authorities and border management have a direct influence on trade and tourism business in every country.“Maintaining security and easing border procedures are themain factors in facilitating trade and tourism flow.”

Ahmad Butti Ahmad, Executive Chairman of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Cooperation and Director-General of Dubai Customs, highlighted the importance of finding a central border management system that allows consistent coordination and smooth exchange of experience and information across world.

“This international event will help to set up a new global system for coordinated border management to enhance collaboration and ensure achievement of the World Customs Organisation’s objectives and vision for the 21st century,” he said.

Sharing perceptions and best practice between global border security agents and government entities such as customs, municipalities, health and immigration will definitely lead to exploring best solutions to facilitate trade and eventually help maintain safer economies and societies, he added.

Moreover, Kunio Mikuriya, Secretary General of the World Customs Organisation (WCO), emphasised the significance of the implementation of the ‘single window’ concept at borders in promoting trade around the globe,

This will benefit the world economy by promoting commercial development, competitiveness and employment. It can greatly enhance collaboration between several stakeholders who work together at the borders — customs authorities, government organisations, trading entities and service providers,” Mikuriya said.

However, he added that the adoption of new and innovative techniques is also a major facilitator towards greater cross-border coordination and cooperation.

“Supportive IT solutions are of key importance for a well-functioning government at the border.”

Around 1,000 professionals from 100 countries are participating in the conference to discuss customs coordination among countries.

In parallel with the conference, the exhibition featuring the latest IT solutions designed for the international customs and trade market offers quality networking and marketing opportunities for participants and vendors alike.