Riyadh: Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi stated that the Customs Union Authority has a vital and important role in strengthening joint economic work, has great responsibilities to achieve the highest stages of economic integration among the council's countries, and is overcoming challenges that hinder the completion of the union. These aspects are in accordance with the directives of the leaders of the GCC countries to work constantly to achieve the hopes and aspirations of the citizens, and to deal efficiently and competently with regional and international developments.
According to Saudi Press Agency, Albudaiwi's remarks came today during his patronage of the opening ceremony of the GCC Customs Union Authority headquarters, in the presence of Customs Union Authority executive council chairman Eng. Suhail bin Mohammed Abanmi in the city of Riyadh. Albudaiwi presented his thanks to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and to His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for the unlimited support that the GCC General Secretariat and the organizations, bodies, and offices affiliated with it receive, enabling them to achieve great accomplishments and gains, and contributing to the GCC's countries reaching distinguished ranks in all fields.
He pointed out that this achievement would not have been possible without Allah's grace, then the guidance and blessing of the leaders of the council's countries. "The GCC system has achieved and continues to accomplish many successes at all levels, and the experience of the Customs Union of the GCC countries is considered one of the successful experiences at the regional and international levels. After agreeing to establish the Customs Union in 2003, the council's countries became a single customs wall towards the outside world," Albudaiwi said.
"Based on the belief of the leaders of the council's countries in this strategic project, the Supreme Council issued a resolution at its 42nd session (December 2021, Riyadh) to activate the work of the Customs Union Authority and grant it full powers to perform its tasks, in accordance with best practices that support the completion of all the requirements of the Customs Union," he added.
The GCC chief praised the authority's efforts since its establishment and its work on many joint customs projects, to implement the requirements of the Customs Union, unify customs procedures and policies in the member states, work on digitizing joint customs work and directly supervise it, and coordinate with the concerned government agencies in the member states in this field, which has enhanced the increase in the volume of intra-trade between the council's countries, elevated the competitiveness of Gulf companies, and reduced the cost of production.
Albudaiwi expressed his aspiration for the authority to achieve its future goals, which are represented in improving the experience of beneficiaries in an integrated digital environment and continuing to attract modern technologies and adopt concepts and tools in accordance with the best international practices.