Dubai Customs agrees with the Jordanian Customs to set out a mechanism of electronic networks

Press release

Published January 30th, 2011 - 10:45 GMT

Ahmed Butti Ahmed exchanging gifts with Galib Al-Saraera, Director General of the Jordanian Customs

Dubai Customs and Jordanian Customs have agreed to develop a mechanism for electronic networks between the two parties to facilitate information exchange, continual exchange of mutual experiences between them and exchange perspectives on ways how possibly to implement the Electronic Tracking Systems with aim of smoothly monitoring movement of transit shipments across the countries.

This came during a visit made by a delegation and a number of senior employees from Dubai Customs headed by His Excellency Ahmed Butti- Executive Chairman of Ports, Customs and Free Zone & the Director General of Dubai Customs with aim of searching common platform of understanding between the two parties and closely reviewing the ongoing business process followed by Jordanian Customs.

The ETS mechanism is objectively set out to facilitate easy exchange of information between the two parties while the ETS program is used to control transit shipments via the satellites to facilitate and simplify movement of transited trades through Jordan. The system can effectively detect any violation that may occur during the movements of transit vehicles from point to another such as diverting or transferring routes of vehicles, tampering with goods and stoppage over places that are not permitted.

The visiting delegation of Dubai Customs included, His Excellency Ahmed Butti Ahmed- the Executive Chairman of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation & Director General of Dubai Customs, Mr. Yousif AL-Sahlawi- Senior Executive Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Abdulla Salem ALShaer – Director of Customs Intelligence Dept, Mr. Ahmed ALKharosi- Director of Business Process Dept and Mr. Yousef AL-Kaj- Director of IT Support Dept.

The visiting delegation met with His Excellency Major General Galib Gasim AL-Saraera – the Director General of the Jordanian Customs. The delegation members watched a visual show narrating the historical development of the Jordanian Customs and also visited some of the subsidiary departments including Risk Management Dept, Communication, Control, Inspection, Customs Intelligence Departments and the Customs Training Centre.

The delegation guests also visited some Customs buildings including the Anti-Smuggle Directorate and Amman Customs Laboratory. The delegation got acquainted with Electronic Doors Systems experienced by the customs in controlling entry and exit of vehicles and they also got acquainted with air control over sites and customs centers and there also they got an idea about the (Golden List Program) which objectively used in facilitating the customs business process, serving benefits and simplifying services of committed customers. The visiting members met with Colonel Munzir AL-Asaf, the Director General of Alaqaba Custom Center, and they visited all Divisions and Sections of the center where they got acquainted with the services facilitated in the Alaqaba Special Economic Zone (ASEZ) - Customs Centre.

It is worth mentioning that non oil exchanges between Dubai and Jordan undergo a notable progress. During the third quarter of 2010, the values of Dubai exports to Jordan increased to secure AED122.4billion against AED113.3billion during the same period in 2009 – a growth of 9.2 percent compared to 2010. The imports of Dubai from Jordan increased to record AED423.6 during the third quarter of 2010 compared to AED371.4billion during the same period in 2009- with an increase of 8.7%.

Background Information

Dubai Customs

Dubai Customs is one of the leading government departments taking part in enhancing sustainable development and promoting Dubai’s image worldwide, turning it into a principal capital, business and tourism destination, as it facilitates smooth movement of legitimate trade and leverages economic and social development, the matter which is consistent with its slogan stating "gateway to Dubai’s prosperity", because prosperity is usually based on free trade through a safe, fast and practical environment to meet the needs of people and adapt to their requirements. This in addition to DC’s main role to protect society and borders against those who try to smuggle prohibited substances to or through Dubai threatening the community safety and security.

Company Profile

Jordan Customs

The early twenties of the last century have witnessed the establishment of Trans-Jordan Emirate. Thus, there was a need to establish a governmental agency to control the movement of goods and commodities imported into the Emirate, as well as goods transiting through its territories due to the location of the Emirate at the heart of the Arab World, as well as its strategic importance at both the regional and international levels, Therefore, the first Customs administration – that was then known as Directorate of General Excise and Statistics- was officially inaugurated in parallel to the establishment of Trans-Jordan Emirate in 1921. It was administratively related to the Council of Advisors, (currently, the Prime Ministry) during the period 1921-1925. Initially, it took up the task of statistics and inspection as well as collecting revenues levied on imported goods. Afterwards, it was structured under Finance Principal (Minister of finance) and later called Directorate of Customs and Excise. During 1928-1935, Jordan customs was disengaged from Finance Principal and linked directly with the Council of Ministers. During 1953-1951, the Department was coupled with Ministry of Trade and Industry as it was called then Ministry of Trade/ Customs. Between1956-1983, the Department was re-linked with Ministry of Finance and named Ministry of Finance/ Customs. As of 1983, the Department has been called General Customs Department headed by a Director General who reports directly to Minister of Finance. Since then, twenty Director Generals have alternated this post.