MoE organises workshop on Trade Facilitation Convention of WTO

Abu Dhabi / WAM

The Ministry of Economy recently organised a workshop to discuss the terms of the Trade Facilitation Convention of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and its implementation in relation to international trade.
Organised at the Ministry’s office in Abu Dhabi, the workshop was attended by representatives from the Abu Dhabi Global Market, Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority, Dubai Airport Freezone Authority, Dubai International Financial Centre, twofour54 Abu Dhabi Media Zone Authority, Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority, Dubai South, Ajman Free Zone, RAK Investment Authority and Dubai Creative Clusters Authority.
Mohammed Nasser Hamdan Al Zaabi, Director of Trade Promotion and Investment Department at the Ministry, said, “The holding of the workshop is in line with the recommendations made during the first meeting between the ministry and representatives of the free zones. The ministry aims to continuously work on holding meetings and workshops to enhance level of communication and coordination with partners, improve the country’s investment climate, and raise the profile of the state in competitive foreign trade indicators.”
Sultan Ahmed Darwish, Director of Trade Negotiations and WTO at the Ministry, highlighted the steps taken by the state to promote the multilateral trading system. He spoke about the challenges faced in meeting trade facilitation commitments, most notably those concerning automation with the goal of reducing paperwork.
Fakhri Al Hazaimeh, Senior Counselor WTO and Multilateral Trading System at the Foreign Trade Sector, discussed the negotiating phases on trade facilitation within the framework of the WTO, the components of the Convention and the obligations of developed and least-developed countries. He also talked about the flexibility accorded to developed countries in terms of notification and implementation of commitments.