Dubai’s foreign trade recovering with steady growth momentum

DUBAI / WAM

In support of the UAE’s sustainable economic development, Dubai Customs has been able to meet the challenges of the global economic recession arising out of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The year 2020 saw new pioneering achievements for Dubai Customs in terms development of Customs work processes and innovation of new solutions and initiatives to ensure the smooth flow of trade and mitigate the impacts of the global pandemic,” said a report released by Dubai Customs.
This follows the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to promote sustainable economic development and consolidate the UAE’s global leadership, added the report.
Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director General of Dubai Customs, said: “Against all odds Dubai Customs has kept pace with the UAE’s successive pioneering accomplishments in 2020, the year of preparation for the next 50. Dubai’s foreign trade is gradually recovering with steady growth momentum despite disruptions from the Covid-19 outbreak.
This is particularly reflected in the strong growth of customs transactions due to our use
of advanced technologies that helped us maintain our
business uninterrupted during lockdown and remote working period.”

Dubai Customs also introduced several milestone projects supporting our direction to play a major role in future trade transformations. These include the launch of the Blockchain-based cross-border e-commerce platform, which paves the way to attract more logistics and e-commerce companies.”

In terms of society protection, Dubai Customs also launched “Siyaj”, the leading security initiative which employs 24/7 integrated smart control systems to curb illegal trafficking and smuggling, he added.
Musabih further noted: “We continue to implement our strategy to lead the customs sector through the development of innovative, technology-based customs systems that facilitate customs operations and speed up the flow of trade and passengers. The International Monetary Fund’s note commending Dubai Customs for exemplary implementation of Blockchain technology is a source of pride for us and prompts us to continue pursuing our vision of being the world’s leading customs administration supporting legitimate trade.”

“Dubai recorded AED551 billion worth of non-oil external trade in the first half of 2020. Imports accounted for AED320 billion, exports AED77 billion, and re-exports AED154 billion. A total volume of 44 million tonnes of goods were traded through Dubai during the period, including 30 million tonnes of imports, 8 million tonnes of exports and 6 million tonnes of re-exports.

“Customs transactions processed by Dubai Customs grew by 23% in 2020 compared to 2019. The sharp rise in transactions reflects the strength and resilience of the economy and the emirate’s proven capability to weather external economic shocks and turn challenges into real opportunities,” added the report.

Dubai Customs, the report continues, is “reaping the fruits of successful investment in advanced technologies and smart applications over recent years. Business run smoothly without any significant interruptions during the remote and home working period. There were automatic approval and clearance of about 97% of no-risk consignment transactions in 2 minutes without any human intervention.

“From 15th March to 2nd June, employees completed 8.5 million minutes of audio and video calling using Microsoft TEAMS, shared screen for 2.1 million minutes, and sent 1.1 million instant messages. They conducted 298,000 individual and group calls.

“Dubai Customs has made available all necessary tools to boost the productivity of its employees during the remote working period. These included the virtual desktop which enables user to host all office applications and work from anywhere, Mizlay which enables employees to safely access their emails and other Dubai Customs applications, and Microsoft TEAMS for online meetings and communication. More than 18,000 meetings have been conducted through TEAMS. Exchange of information via TEAMS accounted for 15% against 85% for email in March while in April the usage of TEAMS program increased to 34% compared to 66% for email. ”

It added that Dubai Customs launched several initiatives to ensure a healthy and safe environment at work, including provision of 200 mobile phone disinfection devices to all department, sections and customs centers to protect staff from the spread of coronavirus.

“Safe Station was one of the innovations that Dubai Customs incorporated in its back to office plan. The 21 temperature check kiosks were deployed to help monitor the health status of employees. Dubai Customs also launched the Safe Customs Inspector Corridor which is a state-of-the-art, fully-equipped PPE innovation that ensures the protection of inspection staff.

“As part of the economic stimulus package announced by the Government of Dubai to alleviate the burden on businesses and help them navigate the challenges of Covid-19 pandemic, Dubai Customs launched an initiative offering 80% discount on fines for customs cases and violations detected or committed before March 31, 2020.