Dubai Customs launches modernisation scheme

DUBAI - Dubai has become the first country in the Arab world to launch a new programme aiming at developing and modernising all the departments and sections within Dubai Customs.

By A Staff Reporter

Published: Sun 21 Sep 2003, 1:06 PM

Last updated: Wed 1 Apr 2015, 9:47 PM

The Reform and Modernisation Programme, which will last for three years starting from January next year till September 2006, is designed in accordance with the international developments in economy and commerce as well as international agreements and modern technologies.

Speaking at the launch of the programme, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC), said that the strategic plan will be the main dynamo to guide the Customs towards a bright future to guarantee a comprehensive working environment full of activity.

At the same time, this plan will ensure that Dubai Customs will continue presenting its services for the commercial sector in an efficient way without neglecting the implementation of the Customs in protecting the national economy and community from illegal activities.

He said that the plan also aims at building a good reputation for the Dubai Customs through implementing all international standards, serving the community and its clients. He added: "By 2006, Dubai Customs will have a high level compliance with customs laws and become the leading customs organisation in the Middle East region."

Bin Sulayem said that Dubai Customs was able to conduct several internal surveys for its customers to be guided through their opinions towards finding best ways that help in developing and supporting the national economy, adding that Dubai Customs adopts new visions and missions in cooperation with the best international experts in this field under the umbrella of the World Customs Organisation (WCO)."

According to Mohammed Al Merri, project manager of the Reform and Modernisation Programme of the Dubai Customs, several preparation procedures were taken to prepare this programme including a comprehensive study conducted by a team of international experts from the WCO to estimate the weak and strong points and put the suitable solutions to fill any gap that may exist.

The working team went through several workshops and brainstorming sessions and came out with several objectives, which include collecting incomes, protecting the national economy, community and industrial sector as well as contributing in keeping the national security and affording the commercial data in addition to giving suggestions to Dubai government and other emirates as well as the Gulf Customs Union.

Pravin Gordhan, Chairman of WCO, said that Dubai Customs could be a role model for other customs organisations in the Middle East, adding that WCO hopes that more Arab countries will follow suit in enforcing similar programmes, which have been successfully implemented in countries like Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.