Gulf Today, Sunday, Apr 18, 2021 | Ramadan 6, 1442
Dubai Customs completes 5 million transactions in Q1
Emirates:
Dubai Customs completed 5 million transactions in Q1 this year,
according to latest figures. This is equivalent to double the number of
transactions in the same period in pre-pandemic 2019, and 20% more than Q1
2020, in which 4 million transactions were completed.
“We will target new international markets and attract more foreign
investments to achieve Dubai vision of raising trade to 2 trillion dollars
in the next 5 years following the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed
Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai,”
said Abdullah Mohammed Al Khaja, Executive Director of Clients Management
Division.
He added, “We will actively participate in achieving the objectives of Dubai
Strategic plan 2030 through building on what has so far been achieved in the
emirate, which turned it into a regional and global hub for trade and
tourism.” Figures of Q1 are very positive and they reflect not only a quick
recovery from the pandemic, but also an outstanding growth. Economic
performance is expected to grow 4% this year.”
Customs declarations grew 24% in Q1, 2021 to 4.47 million (50,000
declarations a day on average) from 3.4 million in Q1, 2020. Payment
requests came second at 238,400, followed by certificate and report requests
at 141,800. Booking inspection date service received 76,700 requests and
business registration service received 59,600 requests.
He said, “This noticeable growth in the number of customs transactions
reflects the sustainability and resilience of Dubai and UAE’s economy. It is
a result of hard work and accumulated experiences of Dubai Customs in
developing smart services. We are moving forward towards more automation and
digitalisation of our services. Transactions completed through smart
platforms in Q1, 2021 formed 99.6 per cent of the total 5 million
transactions, with 67.2 per cent completed through smart channels (3.4m
transactions), 32.3 per cent through electronic systems (1.6m transactions),
and only 23,500 transactions through the counters.”
Al Khaja added, “We worked together with all parties including the private
sector and managed to overcome the challenges posed by the pandemic last
year. We are confident the economy will keep the momentum, especially with
Dubai hosting EXPO 2020 this year.”
To bolster partnership with the private sector and stimulate business
activities, Dubai Customs gave authorisation to appointed car agencies to
register their cars with the aim of saving time and cost.
Dubai Customs is organising the 5th WCO Global AEO Conference in
coordination with the Federal Customs Authority and the World Customs
Organisation (25th-27th May, 2021).
The conference will shed light on trade opportunities and different means
and paths to develop trade. More than 1,500 trade and business experts will
take part in the event.
Dubai Customs has recently signed an agreement with JAFZA, Dubai South and
DAFZA to enable them enjoy all the services and benefits Dubai Customs
provides through its cross border e-commerce platform. This will help
enhance Dubai’s position on the global online commerce map.
Dubai Customs recently highlighted its experience in developing disruptive
customs systems and services, in a virtual meeting with officials from the
Saudi Customs.
The meeting aimed at exchange of knowledge between the two customs
departments, and exploring more cooperation.
From the Saudi Customs, Bandar Al Balawi and Abdul Rahman Khalaf Technology
Department, Ibrahim Al Shaia, Security Affairs Department and Musaid Al
Sudairi, Revenue Department, attended the meeting. Falah Khalil Al Sammak,
Senior Manager of DXB Terminal 2 welcomed the Saudi delegates and said the
customs relationships with the Saudi Customs is very important in
facilitating regional and global trade. He shed light on certain projects
and applications developed by Dubai Customs including the iDeclare.
The mobile app enables passengers arriving in Dubai to securely submit
Customs declarations electronically, thus bypassing the current traditional
paper forms. It simplifies the Customs clearance process for passengers by
enabling self-declaration of their must-declare commercial goods, personal
effects or cash either pre or post arrival at the airport, saving them both
time and effort. In addition, Al Sammak talked about Al Kashif Buggy,
designed to thwart all types of smuggling, and the Smart Inspection Table,
which has integrated tracking and inspection documentation system.
At the end of the meeting, the Saudi delegates commended the advanced level
Dubai Customs reached in applying sophisticated technologies and
applications expressing interest in more future meetings towards more
fruitful cooperation.
|