Dubai Customs and DC World discuss means of cooperation with Azerbaijani Customs

A high profile delegation from Dubai Customs and DC World discussed means of boosting cooperation and mutual ties with the Azerbaijani Customs, in a visit to the Republic of Azerbaijan. The visiting delegation comprised of H.E. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman of DP World and Chairman of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC), H.E. Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Dubai Customs Director, Faisal Eissa Lutfi, CEO of DC World and External Relations Director at Dubai Customs, and Bader Al Kharoosi, Solutions Delivery Manager at DC’s IT Department. 

The Dubai delegation was received by their counterpart  H.E. chairman of the State Customs Com­mit­tee, customs service Lieu­tenant-General Aydin Aliyev, in the Azerbaijani capital Baku. Both delegations conferred points of mutual interest and means of developing bilateral relations. The visiting delegation was also introduced to the customs work techniques adopted by Azerbaijan customs with the aim of devising an action plan and developing it according to the best practices and criteria used in Dubai Customs.

H.E. Bin Sulayem stated, “We are pleased to comply with the invitation of the Azerbaijani Customs to boost relationships and exchange expertise. In line with the solid relations between the two countries, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, paid a visit to the Republic of Azerbaijan earlier in April at the invitation of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.”

He also added, “ Dubai trade with Azerbaijan mounted up to AED 662m in H1 2015 divided in AED 24m in imports, AED 125m in exports and AED 513m in re-export. We are keen on providing optimal customs services and trade facilitations for the Azerbijani business community in Dubai, as well as opening the gateway for greater prospects of cooperation in the fields of trade, ports, customs and logistics services.”

On his part, H.E. Ahmed Mahboob Musabih reaffirmed Dubai Customs’ interest in forging bonds and exchanging expertise with the Azerbaijani Customs in light of the established trade ties between the UAE and Dubai in particular with the Republic of Azerbaijan. He also stressed that, “We extend our expertise under the disposal of our friends and brothers around the world in a direct interpretation of the directives of our wise leadership.”

H.E. also added, “During our visit, we were introduced to the customs work procedures, systems and utilized technologies at the Azerbaijani Customs. We will work towards devising an action plan in order to further develop the current systems at the Azerbaijani Customs in coordination and collaboration with DC World.”

Faisal Eissa Lutfi delivered a presentation titled ‘DC World’, in which he tackled its vision aimed at being the most reliable in the world in developing customs work and its mission in facilitating and developing international trade according to world’s international performance indexes, enhancing world’s security and supporting international economies by exporting Dubai Customs model practices to customs authorities around the world.

He also said, “Azerbaijani Customs has a wide range of exquisite initiatives that we should look into benefiting from. We also visited their advanced dogs training centers, the Azerbaijani Customs Central Hospital and the WCO Capacity Building Office. We briefed the Azerbaijani Customs officials on advanced work levels at Dubai Custom, and expressed DC World’s willingness to offer a full and integrated action plan ensuring an improved efficiency of customs work in Azerbaijan as per the highest standards and world class practices.