Dubai Customs takes part in WCO IT Conference in Morocco
The electronic system applicable to Dubai Customs was found to be the best worldwide by virtue of its built-in components and functionalities to deliver the needed services while the USA system was ranked the second.
This was agreed upon unanimously by delegates taking part in the World Customs Organization IT Conference and Exhibition held in the Moroccan city of Marrakesh from 22 – 24 April 2009.
Built according to the WCO best recognized world practices and standards as well as being linked to the International Transport Agency initiated e-Single Window scheme , Dubai Customs IT system has an additional advantage, which cannot be found in other modern systems that are used in different customs administrations in the world.
Mr. Steve Smith, ITA E-Cargo Manager and Mr. Thomas Martin, from Citrus Information Technology Alliance (CITA) affirmed that the e-single window system, which provides smart use of information, gave Dubai Customs the ability to easily and smoothly drive trade forward and made its system the best in the world competing only with the one applicable to the USA.
Dubai Customs delegation to the WCO IT Conference and Exhibition was headed by Mr. Ahmed Butti Ahmed, Director General of Dubai Customs and comprised of Mr. Yousef Al Sahlawi, Executive Director of Policies and Legislations, Mr. Juma Al Gaith Executive Director of Customs Development Division and Mr. Abbas Makki, Director of External Relations.
Mr. Butti delivered a comprehensive presentation detailing Dubai Customs capacity building strategy including human resources and e-solutions systems and development.
“Dubai Customs implements the e-single window system in finalizing customs transactions altogether after having passed through all other customs strategic stakeholders desks like DPA, JAFZ and Dubai International Airport making the process easier for many clients,” Mr. Butti explained.
“The e-single window system being aligned wit ITA system as confirmed by the ITA delegate to the conference is applicable as well when dealing with different airlines and air cargo companies,” he added.
While delivering his presentation Mr. Butti affirmed that Dubai Customs succeeded in automating 100% of all services being delivered to its clients pointing out to Mirsal 2, the e-clearance system, under which clients may clear their transactions at their premises saving them effort, time and money.
From his part, Mr. Juma Al Gaith, reviewed different electronic components and modules applicable to Dubai Customs and their functions in facilitating legitimate trade and risk management as well as re-engineering business process through an enterprise design programme in place at Dubai Customs.
“Dubai Customs has a combination of processes and procedures basing every performance on a set of tasks and functions,” Mr. Al Gaith said.
“In order to develop these processes and track the development activity, one should analyze, write them down and identify their inter-relationship in a way that a capable system of better functional performance can be built,” he added.
The WCO IT Conference and Exhibition gathers a number of customs administrations from around the world, both government and semi-government organizations.
Major world software companies such as Microsoft and Apple Macintosh, world trade and shipping companies, ITA, CITA, and others take part as well.
The UAE took part in the conference by a delegation representing FCA, Dubai Customs and Abu Dhabi Customs.
The conference aims at reforming and modernizing different customs administrations in the world and building their IT capabilities.
It is a platform where best electronic products and programmes including best world customs practices are reviewed.
Dubai Customs was involved in the sponsorship of such important international conference.
