UAE-Oman trade records quantum leap

09/02/2014 09:35 AST

The UAE-Oman bilateral trade has seen a quantum leap, reflecting mounting economic and commercial relations, driven by the leaderships’ vision to enhance mutual trade and integration among Gulf countries.

Official statistics show that Dubai’s non-oil foreign trade with Oman hit about Dh14.4 billion in the first nine months of 2013, while it jumped from Dh7.5 billion in 2011 to Dh18.7 billion in 2012.

The announcement was made on Saturday by Ahmed Butti Ahmed, executive chairman of ports, customs and free zone corporation in the presence of the Inspector General of Police and Customs, Lieutenant General Hassan bin Mohsen Al Shraiqi.

Ahmed Butti Ahmed, who is also the director-general of Dubai Customs, said that the Hatta Border Customs Centre plays a pivotal role in the Oman–Dubai commercial flow.

“The number of passengers who crossed the border in both directions in 2013 was approximately 3.7 million, added to 1.4 million vehicles and 675,000 trucks crossing the point in both directions.”

Adding, he said that bilateral trade between Dubai and Oman covers various products and goods. “The most prominent are phones, gold, machinery, equipment, and foodstuff, as well as electrical cords and tubes.”

He further added that commercial diversity between both sides contributes to reinforcing growth opportunities in commercial exchange. “Such a sustainable growth is stimulated by a favorable environment of customs facilitations and mutual commitment to support joint economic cooperation.”

The two parties discussed areas of cooperation between Dubai Customs and Oman Customs, and conveyed commitment to achieve the highest levels of coordination in customs operations.

“Dubai Customs do want to facilitate trade flow with Oman by implementing the best mutual customs facilitations,” Ahmed Butti Ahmed said, noting that the meeting further explored ideas and suggestions for developing more fruitful mechanisms to facilitate mobility in the border crossings between the two sides.

In addition to discussing the mechanisms of joint electronic link, Dubai Customs stressed a strong wiliness to put all its expertise at the disposal of Oman Customs. On the other side, Omani officials expressed their eagerness to avail of the experience of Dubai Customs’ training center and the specialised courses it offers to customs inspectors.

Lieutenant General Hassan bin Mohsen Al Shraiqi, Inspector General of Oman Police and Customs, said that Dubai has become a model in trade facilitation and customs development. “Stronger customs coordination is highly needed to ease and promote the flow of trade between our countries.”

Khaleej Times