Dubai Chamber supports Qatar to implement ATA Carnet system
Dubai, UAE: In a move that will help foster regional business ties, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry is supporting Qatar Chamber of Commerce & Industry to implement the international customs document system, ATA Carnet.
Known as a 'passport for goods', the ATA Carnet is a globally recognised document that permits the duty-free and tax-free temporary import of goods for up to one year.
Dubai Chamber is playing a leading role in promoting ATA Carnet in the region following the system's successful launch in the UAE in April 2011. To date, 21 ATA Carnet documents, for goods worth a total value of AED 70 million, have been issued by Dubai Chamber.
In order to support Qatar Chamber adopt the ATA Carnet system, officials from both organisations met at Dubai Chamber head office recently to discuss the procedure and requirements. The Qatar delegation was headed by Saleh Hamad Al Sharqi, Deputy General Manager.
Mr. Atiq Nasib Juma, Senior Director, Commercial Services Sector, Dubai Chamber, said: "In order to foster the partnership between Dubai Chamber and Qatar Chamber we are assisting them to implement this important customs system.
"At Dubai Chamber, we realise the importance of cooperation and collaboration in order to share new ideas and services, which in turn helps drives business growth. It is vital that all chambers of commerce in the region work together to create a favourable environment for trade and business to grow and prosper," Mr. Juma said.
Mr. Mahdi Mazim, Director, Membership and Documentation Department, Dubai Chamber, said: "The ATA Carnet is a valuable tool that facilitates the ease the temporary import and export of goods for trade shows and exhibitions.
"In Dubai alone around 200 such events are held every year, so the ATA Carnet assists a lot of companies. Not only that, we also think it will help attract even more quality international events to Dubai and the surrounding region, especially with Qatar's ambitions to join the network," Mr. Mazim said.
Qatar is ranked Dubai's 26th trading partner. Last year, Dubai's non-oil trade with Qatar valued AED 7.3 billion, of which imports totalled AED 707 million and exports AED 6.6 billion. The main products traded were meat, fish and dairy as well as plants and cut flowers and edible vegetables and fruit.
The UAE is the first country in the GCC to adopt the ATA Carnet system, which is accepted in 70 countries and territories around the world. Dubai Chamber is the national guaranteeing and issuing agency for ATA Carnets in the emirates.
The ATA Carnet system is a product developed by the World Customs Organization and the International Chamber of Commerce.
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Established in 1965, the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry is a non-profit public entity, whose mission is to represent, support and protect the interests of the business community in Dubai by creating a favourable business environment, supporting the development of business, and by promoting Dubai as an international business hub.
© Press Release 2011
