(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Opening the third and concluding day of the 2013 WCO IT Conference and Exhibition, hosted by Dubai Customs under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Dr Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, reiterated that the global event represents a good opportunity for coordination and cooperation between customs and border authorities around the world to facilitate trade and ensure the protection of economies and societies.
Dr Gargash expressed pleasure that the conference has witnessed international participation and robust media coverage due to the strategic importance of its agenda. He praised WCO and Dubai Customs' logistical and organisational success, recognising Dubai Customs as a critical agent in the facilitation of trade, investment and economic renaissance experienced by the country.
He extolled Dubai's ability to achieve a balance between promoting and protecting the business environment on one hand, and instituting efficient operational procedures on the other, adding that the UAE is proud of its successes on the international level.
He added that the success of the UAE lies in its ability to multiply its revenue streams by diversifying its economic base. This had played an important role in securing the country's comprehensive development, he said.
Dr Gargash delivered his keynote address in the presence of Ahmed Butti Ahmed, Executive Chairman of Ports, Customs and Free Zone, Director General of Dubai Customs, Kunio Mikuriya, secretary-general of the World Customs Organisation, and Mohammed Sharaf, CEO of DP World.
He stressed that over the past four decades, the UAE has accumulated a successful and unique developmental experience with hard work by establishing its basic mission of achieving security, stability and prosperity of its economy and people.
He further said that the government had worked to strengthen the pillars of the political system and economic infrastructure. He emphasised that this success required steady progress in economic, political and developmental policies, based on continuity and stability. This was the only way to build a solid legacy that would endure periods of prosperity and recession, he added.
Dr Gargash pointed out the important channels that enabled the UAE economy to play its current leading regional role, stressing that in addition to an efficient ports infrastructure, there should be an effective customs system that facilitates trade without compromising on the requirements of security of the society and trade structure.
He added that the country, with its administrative and executive policies, and its attention to requirements of security and stability was able to provide this outstanding system which has contributed to the creation of an attractive business environment. This approach has enabled the UAE to host the presence of global companies, which has strengthened the economic stature of the UAE and transformed the country into a gateway to a vital part of the world.
He said that the Abu Dhabi International Airport and the Dubai International Airport received more than 45 million passengers in 2012. Thanks to the state-of-the-art services and facilities it provides, he explained, the UAE attracts millions of visitors each year. This momentum underscores Dubai's bid to host Expo 2020, he said, and is testimony to the excellence of the UAE's ports and harbours.
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