Qatar Chamber, General Authority of Customs review facilitating cross-border trade

      

 

 

 

Qatar Chamber, in co-operation with the General Authority of Customs (GAC), recently held the joint meeting of the National Committee for the Systems of Customs Clearance and Cross-Border Trade Facilitation together with the chamber’s sectorial committees at the Westin Hotel on Monday.The meeting touched on reviewing challenges facing businessmen in relation to customs procedures. It also discussed other topics related to fees, the Al Nadeeb System, and the Authorised Economic Operator Programme. During the meeting, businessmen were invited to join the import to re-export initiative.The meeting was co-chaired by Qatar Chamber second vice chairman Rashid bin Hamad al-Athba and GAC acting assistant of chairman and chair of the National Committee Mohamed bin Ahmed al-Mohannadi, in the presence of committee members and Qatar Chamber board members, businessmen, and GAC directors.Addressing the meeting, al-Athba said that streamlining customs procedures plays a key role in organising trade overseas and facilitating the movement of goods between countries.Al-Athba noted that the meeting aims to examine means of facilitating commodities flow to and from the State, especially with the staging of the much-anticipated FIFA World Cup later this year.He lauded the positive co-operation between Qatar Chamber and GAC through its working teams and joint initiatives aimed at streamlining the interests of the private sector and business environment in the State. He also lauded their preparedness to exert all possible efforts to solve all private sector-related issues and affairs and address all challenges faced by businessmen in finding appropriate solutions.Al-Mohannadi thanked the chamber for hosting the meeting and its keenness to help businessmen introduce their views and opinions regarding the challenges they are facing in relation to customs procedures.He said the National Committee for the Systems of Customs Clearance and Cross-Border Trade Facilitation was formed through Decision No 19 of 2020 to amend Resolution No 36 of 2014 regarding the establishment of the committee, which is responsible for following up and facilitating government procedures related to trade exchange operations between Qatar and all countries by working to simplify customs procedures and non-customs restrictions and requirements at ports.Al-Mohannadi also reviewed the committee’s members, competencies, tasks, and achievements, affirming that it is keen to address challenges facing the private sector and involve it in the decision-making process. The committee proposed recommendations that helped address many challenges, he added.