Dubai Customs and Saudi Customs agreed on more mutual trade cooperation between Dubai and Saudi Arabia, and arrangements for better communication between work teams to exchange ideas and expertise and develop customs procedures in response to the coronavirus outbreak.
In the video meeting between Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director General of Dubai Customs and H.E. Ahmed Alhakbani Governor of Saudi Customs, the two sides discussed lessons benefited from the coronavirus experience which has led to coming up with innovative customs approaches and procedures.
Mutual trade between Dubai and the Kingdom reached Dh12b in Q1, 2020, with imports contributing Dh2.4b, exports Dh641m, and re-exports Dh9b.
“Our regular meetings with customs organizations in brotherly and friendly states is part of our endeavors to mitigate any impacts of coronavirus on the global supply chain” said Musabih.
Director General of Dubai Customs confirmed that the advanced technological infrastructure Dubai has, has helped work go undisrupted. Dubai Customs provides best smart services efficiently, and frontline inspectors work around the clock to maintain security and insure safe and streamlined flow of shipments through different sea, land and air ports.
Following the stimulus package plan announced by Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Customs extended a refund of 20 per cent on the customs fees imposed on imported products sold locally in Dubai markets from 15th March to 30th June.
The package also includes the cancellation of the Dhs 50,000 bank guarantee or cash required to undertake customs clearance activity. Bank guarantee or cash paid by existing customs clearance companies will be refunded.
H.E. Ahmed Alhakbani Governor of Saudi Customs expressed his happiness for this fruitful meeting and reiterated the two parties’ keenness to achieve more mutual trade, and to work together through thick and thin.
Alhakbani talked about the procedures taken to ensure smooth work at Saudi Customs, and that all job tasks done through remote working so far were efficient. Working on the field was another challenge because it was done with less employees, and strict precautionary measures were taken to ensure inspectors’ safety.
Saudi Arabia has launched a number of stimulus initiatives including postponing payment of customs duties on any goods imported to the local market.