ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
A UAE delegation, represented by the General Administration of Abu Dhabi Customs (Abu Dhabi Customs) and led by Rashed Lahej Al Mansoori, Director General of Abu Dhabi Customs, has signed a partnership agreement with Tax Authority of Brazil to launch the pilot phase of the Trusted Digital Trade Corridor project.
The agreement was finalised by Rashed Lahej Al Mansoori and Claudia Regina Thomaz, Undersecretary of Customs Administration in Brazil, on the sidelines of the 2024 WCO Technology Conference & Exhibition in Rio de Janeiro. Hosted by Brazil's Federal Revenue Administration from November 12-14, 2024, the event was held under the theme Digital Frontiers: Customs Embracing Innovation with Traditional and New Partners.
Developed in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Economy and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, this first of its kind initiative in the Middle East reflects a shared vision to enhance trade, simplify customs procedures, reduce transaction times, strengthen information and data security, and improve cross-border trade efficiency through the adoption of advanced technology as part of the digital transformation.
Rashed Lahej Al Mansoori also held a meeting with Ian Saunders, Secretary General of the World Customs Organization, during which they discussed the future of customs in the digital transformation era, global trends, and collaboration with various strategic stakeholders to strengthen supply chain security and facilitate cross-border trade.
The Secretary General of the World Customs Organization praised the progress made by Abu Dhabi Customs, in digital transformation, and expressed his appreciation for their leadership in launching the Trusted Digital Trade Corridor pilot project with Brazil.
The 2024 WCO Technology Conference & Exhibition brought together more than 1,200 participants from 95 countries, including customs authorities, border agencies, technology providers, the broader business community, international organisations, development partners, academia, and others involved in the global trade arena.
The conference explored innovative solutions to enhance trade facilitation, border security, and supply chain resilience. Abu Dhabi Customs participated as a speaker in two main sessions at the conference. The first was titled A New Era in Land Transport: Pushing Boundaries with Data and Technology, and the second, Unveiling the Power of Blockchain: Transforming Customs Operations for Seamless Trade Facilitation.