Dubai Customs puts in place superior customs facilitations to further boost UAE-India trade
His Excellency Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) in Dubai and His Excellency Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director of Dubai Customs, attended a meeting for the Indian business community in Dubai, hosted by the Indian Business and Professional Council.
The meeting was an opportunity for the Indian business community in Dubai to learn more about Dubai Customs vibrant role in supporting local economic growth and cementing commercial ties between the United Arab Emirates and India.
H.E. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem said: The exceptional and fast growing economic relations between the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of India are deeply rooted in history. We at PCFC are always eager to support the growth of these bilateral relationships, in pursuance of the directives of his Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The business facilitations provided by our organization contribute a great deal to reinforcing trade and investment growth between UAE and India.
Addressing the Indian business community in Dubai, H.E. Ahmed Mahboob said: Relations between the UAE and India are deeply rooted in history. Over the past decades, strong economic connections have provided the foundation for a robust UAE-India relationship, taking it to a new height with an ever-increasing investment volume. The Indian business community assumes a leading role in the development of UAE economy in general and Dubais in particular.
Dubai Customs puts in place superior customs facilitations to further boost UAE-India trade. This has significantly leveraged trade volume, which puts India as Dubais top trading partner. In 2013, AED 137 billion worth of goods traded between them, while in the first half of 2014, bilateral trade amounted to AED 53 billion, he added.
The Director of Dubai Customs further noted: Proceeding from the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to develop Dubais foreign trade so as to continue to be a key driver of Dubais economy; Dubai Customs launched ERTIBAT program to enhance communication with foreign business councils operating in Dubai, in order to listen to their various demands and suggestions, thus making them happy, as directed by HH Sheikh Mohammed.
Dubai Customs current and future plans are focused towards boosting ties with trading partners and creating happiness among customers, said Ahmed Mahboob, adding: Stemming from the UAE Vision 2021 and Dubai Strategic Plan 2021, which aspire to turn the country into a knowledge-based economy, Dubai Customs strives to employ latest IT applications.
He remarked: Dubai Customs world-class range of facilitations have significantly contributed to trade growth. Over the last ten years, Dubais foreign trade has experienced a five-time growth from AED 252 billion in 2003 to AED 1.329 trillion in 2013. During the first six months of 2014, it neared AED 654 billion, more than double of 2003s overall figure.
According to the World Economic Forums Global Competitiveness Report 2014, the United Arab Emirates was named the most competitive nation in the MENA region and third globally in efficiency of customs procedures. This is mostly thanks to Dubai Customs easy and hassle-free customs measures, which drives efficient cross-border trade, said Mr. Musabih.
It is our top priority in Dubai Customs for the upcoming phase to create an environment conducive to innovation and creativity. We are the first fully smart government entity in Dubai, delivering our entire range of customs services through mobile phones and smart watches 24/7, he added.
Ahmed Mahboob concluded: The UAEs winning right to host Expo 2020 in Dubai merely reflects the emirates gained foothold on the world trade landscape. Dubai Customs is committed to actively contribute to making Dubai Expo one of the best and most successful international exhibitions in history, in cooperation with other government organizations. We promise to deliver a perfect exhibition experience to the world, by putting in place superior customs services and facilitations for the mega event, including the launch of a smart channel dedicated especially for exhibitors to streamline and expedite cargo clearance through a 24/7 automated customs clearance system.
The Director of Dubai Customs welcomed all constructive suggestions from business councils and traders that would move trade forward. He invited the Indian Consulate General in Dubai and the Indian Business and Professional Council to a meeting at Dubai Customs, to identify and tackle the challenges that impede business growth.
Paras Shahdadpuri, President of the Indian Business and Professional Council in Dubai, thanked Ahmed Mahboob for addressing the Indian business community and expressed their wiliness to maintain close relationship with Dubai Customs, in the best interest of both countries.
