ABU DHABI // The UAE has agreed to sign up to an international convention on customs procedures that, officials say, will enhance trade activities and improve co-operation with other nations. Sheikh Khalifa, President of the UAE, yesterday issued federal decree no. 33 of 2010 regarding the accession of the United Arab Emirates to the Revised Kyoto Convention, the government news agency, WAM, reported.
The convention sets out key principles for customs authorities responsible for collecting and safeguarding duties. The decree must now be approved by the Federal Supreme Council, made up of the rulers of the emirates. The revised convention, drawn up by the World Customs Organization and put into force in February 2006, would "benefit the UAE's economy, since it will facilitate and increase international trade activities and consolidate the efforts currently made to support the country's competitiveness in this regard," said Khalid Ali al Bustani, the acting general manager of the Federal Customs Authority. It would cancel "policies and procedures that restrict and affect principles of the free market", he added.
Mr al Bustani said the commitment of the member countries to employing the same standards would enhance the efficiency of customs procedures and save time. So far, 64 countries have signed up to the convention. @Email:mchung@thenational.ae
