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Dubai / WAM
Dubai Customs announced the completion of five million transactions in the first quarter of 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 percent more than Q1 2020, in which 4 million transactions were completed, according to a Dubai Customs statement on Saturday. Speaking on the occasion, Abdullah Mohammed Al Khaja, Executive Director of Clients Management Division, said, “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 four percent this year.”
Customs declarations grew 24 percent 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.
Al Khaja continued to say, “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 towards more automation and digitalisation of our services.
“Transactions completed through smart platforms in Q1, 2021 formed 99.6 percent of the total 5 million transactions, with 67.2 percent completed through smart channels (3.4 million transactions), 32.3 percent through electronic systems (1.6m transactions), and only 23,500 transactions through the counters.”
He 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 (from 25-27). 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.