Opening the third and concluding day of the 2013 WCO IT Conference and Exhibition, hosted by Dubai Customs under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Excellency Dr. Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, UAE, reiterated that the global event represents a good opportunity for coordination and cooperation between customs and border authorities around the world to facilitate trade and ensure the protection of economies and societies.
His Excellency Dr Gargash expressed pleasure that the conference has witnessed international participation and robust media coverage due to the strategic importance of its agenda. He praised WCO and Dubai Customs’ logistical and organizational success, recognising Dubai Customs as a critical agent in the facilitation of trade, investment and economic renaissance experienced by the country. He extolled Dubai’s ability to achieve a balance between promoting and protecting the business environment on one hand, and instituting efficient operational procedures on the other, adding that the UAE is proud of its successes on the international level.
His Excellency added that the success of the UAE lies in its ability to multiply its revenue streams by diversifying its economic base. This had played an important role in securing the country’s comprehensive development, he said, underlining the customs department’s pivotal role in the integrated system through continuous development and high performance.
H.E. Dr Gargash delivered his keynote address in the presence of His Excellency Ahmed Butti Ahmed, Executive Chairman of Ports, Customs and Free Zone, Director General of Dubai Customs, Kunio Mikuriya, Secretary General of the World Customs Organization, and Mohammed Sharaf, CEO of DP World.
His Excellency welcomed the participants to the conference, saying: "I am pleased to meet you here in Dubai, the business hub of the UAE and the Middle East; it is indeed an honor to participate in the activities of the 2013 WCO IT Conference and Exhibition.”
His Excellency stressed that over the past four decades, the UAE has accumulated a successful and unique developmental experience with hard work by establishing its basic mission of achieving security, stability and prosperity of its economy and people. He added that the government has always stressed on the importance of strengthening this trend through the construction of distinct infrastructure to strengthen the regional role of the country and drive the diversification of its economy.
He added that the government had worked to strengthen the pillars of the political system and economic infrastructure. He emphasized that this success required steady progress in economic, political and developmental policies, based on continuity and stability. This was the only way to build a solid legacy that would endure periods of prosperity and recession, he added.
His Excellency pointed out the important channels that enabled the UAE economy to play its current leading regional role, stressing that in addition to an efficient ports infrastructure, there should be an effective customs system that facilitates trade without compromising on the requirements of security of the society and trade structure. He added that the country, with its administrative and executive policies, and its attention to requirements of security and stability was able to provide this outstanding system which has contributed to the creation of an attractive business environment. This approach has enabled the UAE to host the presence of global companies, which has strengthened the economic stature of the UAE and transformed the country into a gateway to a vital part of the world..
His Excellency noted that the Abu Dhabi International Airport and the Dubai International Airport received more than 45 million passengers in 2012. Thanks to the state-of-the-art services and facilities it provides, he explained, the UAE attracts millions of visitors each year. This momentum underscores Dubai’s bid to host Expo 2020, he said, and is testimony to the excellence of the UAE’s ports and harbors.
His Excellency added that the present times – with its complexities of globalization and regional unrest – are a major challenge that must be addressed in a way that ensures the country remains on track to security and stability, without hindering the flow of trade and investment. To achieve this stability and remove all barriers, the UAE is highly committed to the principles of peace, stability and security in the region, and is a key international partner in regional and international issues, including the fight against terrorism, extremism and piracy.
He explained that the UAE, in a move that confirms this commitment, has established a National Committee and an Executive Office for the control of goods and materials subject to the international import and export control system. The nation’s approach successfully contributes to combating the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and related technology.
The Executive Office plays a prominent role in the application of international resolutions in coordination with local authorities to prevent the misuse of business facilities provided by the UAE. This role is all the more significant, given the strategic location of the country and the huge volume of trade exchange between the UAE and various countries of the world.
In addition to that, His Excellency said that the Executive Office adopts the mechanism of permits issuance to allow the entry and passage of shipments through customs ports in full coordination with the local customs department, ensuring the smooth proceedings and hassle-free commercial traffic. He added that the most important elements that have highlighted the achievements of the UAE and its commitment to these principles are the integrated coordination between various bodies and institutions.
Held at Atlantis - The Palm in Dubai, the three day conference has attracted customs authorities and representatives from border regulatory agencies, the IT sector, the broader business community, governmental and trade organizations, lending institutions, and others involved in the international trade arena.