Dubai Customs received a US trade delegation headed by Rob Waller, the US Consul General to Dubai. This occurred within the framework of the ERTIBAT (Interrelation) Program, launched by the Department to reinforce communication with foreign business councils based in Dubai, especially those councils which have strategic trading partnerships with the Emirate.
The US delegation, which included businessmen and representatives of Dubai-based US companies, was received by H.E. Ahmed Butti Ahmed, Executive Chairman of Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation, Director General of Dubai Customs, and other senior Dubai Customs officials. The parties held talks about stepping up bilateral trade and economic cooperation, as well as developing US trade and investment in Dubai.
The Director General of Dubai Customs expounded upon the significance of the meeting: “This meeting highlights Dubai Customs’ commitment towards maintaining continuous communication with the diplomatic and consulate missions and foreign business councils in Dubai through the ERTIBAT program, in order to interact and listen to their suggestions for the further development of their trade and business in Dubai. The USA is considered one of our major trade partners, ranking third place among our trade partners in the first half of 2013, as the amount of Dubai’s non-oil foreign trade with the US reached a AED 45 billion against AED 37 billion reached in the first half of 2012, growing by 24%. The trade exchange between the two parties has witnessed significant growth over the past several years, increasing from AED 47.8 billion in 2010 to AED 61.5 billion in 2011, then stepping up to AED 67.6 billion in 2012.”
Mr. Butti added: “The US business sector in Dubai is always strengthening its presence through the expansion of its investments in the local market. There are 1230 US companies operating in Dubai, representing various fields, such as banking, services, health, energy, transportation, aviation and technology, and that reflects the level of trust in Dubai’s economy and its ability to keep on growing as a result of the sound vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. In Dubai Customs, we are exerting all possible efforts to achieve His Highness’s vision by providing the best services and facilities to the traders and investors in order to support Dubai’s growth through attracting more business and investments.”
Mr. Butti stressed that the opening of direct flights between Dubai and the USA via Emirates Airlines has contributed to the development of US tourism to Dubai, as in 2012 the number of American tourists who visited Dubai was about 506,000, while the number of US travellers via Dubai Airport was 2 million. The number of US residents in the UAE by the end of 2011 was 45,000, the majority of which is based in Dubai.
Dubai Customs representatives have explained to the delegation the most important services that have been developed in order to provide the best services to customers; on top of which are MIRSAL2, B2G “the e-business channel” and the Risk Engine, in addition to the Client Accreditation Program which enables the customer to benefit from all the available facilities offered by Dubai Customs; as this service verifies the customer’s history, the volume of his transactions and their contribution to Dubai’s revenues, in addition to the identification of relevant risks or threats.
The USA was ranked first in terms of direct foreign investment in Dubai in 2012. It achieved a percentage of 24.6% of total foreign investments volume of AED 29.4 billion. And that percentage is equal to AED 7.2 billion as the list of US companies operating in Dubai includes the major banks and financial institutions in the USA, as well as the major US industrial companies in the sectors of information technology, electronics, cars, airplanes, oil and gas and shipping and logistics. They consider Dubai as their headquarters, through which they serve a broad region in Asia, Europe, and Africa.
The members of the visiting delegation have expressed their high appreciation of Dubai Customs’ efforts to facilitate trade and provide optimal customs services to companies, which has led to the growth of trade with the USA. Hamid Al Tamimi, Senior Administrative Official, Booz Allen Hamilton Company affirmed the centrality of Dubai Customs in the UAE’s growing centrality in international trade: “The trade facilities provided by Dubai are one of the important factors which contributed in the transformation of Dubai to a regional and global trade hub. Dubai Customs plays a major role in this regard through customs services provided to the companies and traders. As one of the international companies, we feel the extent of Dubai Customs’ success in regard to the support of trade growth through its close and developed relations with these companies.”
Mohamed Itani, Regional Operations Manager, HP Middle East affirmed the high regard to which intentional companies hold Dubai Customs: “Dubai Customs is ranked the first in the region with regard to the quality of customs services. It is considered the main portal which facilitates the transactions of companies with all departments and organizations in Dubai. Its tangible professional performance enabled its positioning at the top of governmental departments contributing to the success of Dubai.”
Narante Ratnayake, Brokerage Manager, UPS, Dubai and the Northern Emirates stated: “The open door policy adopted by all officials encourages interactions with Dubai Customs. They give a hand, listen to you, and consider your suggestions to find appropriate solutions, and that helps in the implementation of work. There is always communication and interaction with customers and clients, and that leads to more efficient accomplishment of tasks. The on-line facilities provided by Dubai Customs are also very good. Their systems are excellent too, such as (MIRSAL) and (B2G).”
Pavna Tahilramani, Business Development Manager, Channels Company reinforced Ratnayake’s praise of Dubai Customs: “We are always in contact with Dubai Customs. The Department provides great services to facilitate business. Their work procedures are also clear and simple. We can obtain information easily and quickly.”