To ensure the success of the 5th edition of the WCO Global AEO Conference, and in view of the prevailing global circumstances, Dubai Customs and the UAE Federal Customs Authority proposed to the WCO to postpone the Conference that was planned from 10 to 12 March 2020. After careful consideration, the WCO Secretariat agreed to the request of the host administration to reschedule the 5th WCO Global AEO Conference to 15 - 17 February 2021, in Dubai, UAE.
The new date will be in conjunction with EXPO 2020, which makes it a better opportunity for all parties to exchange expertise and best practices in trade, economy, culture and innovation.
Since the first edition of WCO Global AEO Conference held in Korea in 2012, the World Customs Organization (WCO) has brought together Customs administrations, the business community, policymakers, legal and academic representatives, as well as other government bodies to build capacity, enhance cooperation and foster a global public-private dialogue for the implementation of AEO Programs worldwide.
“It’s imperative that this world conference provide a better opportunity to all participants and build on the momentum created by previous editions of the conference,” said Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director General of Dubai Customs. “The conference gains international recognition and attention for the many opportunities it provides in facilitating customs procedures and legitimate trade and cross-border passenger traffic. It is a translation of the UAE’s efforts in consolidating international cooperation to promote and develop the customs system worldwide.”
Musabih added:
“Organizing the AEO Conference in conjunction with EXPO 2020 will be an added value to the 5th edition. It will also increase participation, as we expect more than 2,000 delegates to attend the conference. It will, of course, enhance the UAE’s position and its strong presence on the world trade map thanks to its competitive infrastructure, safe and attractive investment environment and highly developed customs system.”
The number of the AEO member companies has risen to 70. The Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program is a partnership between Trade community and Customs, in which actors in the global supply chain can apply for AEO status to receive trade facilitation benefits and, at the same time, verify and increase their level of compliance and security.
The UAE has signed a mutual recognition agreement with South Korea in 2017, and it came into force in October 2018. Both parties enjoy a number of facilitations and exchange statistics and data. Time required for customs clearance dropped 83% and companies that joined the program are exposed to less inspection and more streamlined customs procedures.
Similar agreements were signed with Saudi Arabia in May 2019, with China last July and with India last October.