Two- days' workshop highlights importance of Certificates of Origin
Dubai, UAE: As part of their efforts to adopt International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) standards for the issuance of certificates of origin (COs) and to share the practice with local and GCC chambers, the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry in cooperation with the Federation of GCC Chambers, Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce and Industry, International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and the Ministry of Economy concluded today a two-day CO workshop at the Chamber premises.
In his presentation, Mr. Atiq Juma Nassib, Senior Director, Commercial Services Sector, Dubai Chamber, highlighted the importance of certificates of origin. He also presented the guidelines on how to issue the certificates by citing the case of Dubai Chamber which he said is one of the highest issuers of certificates of origin as it issued 700,000 certificates last year.
Mr. Nassib informed that the workshop achieved several objectives some of which included highlighting the best international practices based on the ICC WCF International CO guidelines, strengthening of relations between local and GCC chambers, raising awareness of the concerned staff on the obstacles and risks involved as well as dealing with potential fraud associated with the certificates.
He added that the participation of a large number of participants from the local and GCC chambers shows the importance of of the workshop in highlighting the significance of this service offered to the trade sector stating that the certificate of origin is the most important document for exports and re-exports for the business community.
The Senior Director of Commercial Services Sector also informed about the development of the certificate of origin at Dubai Chamber which went through six stages starting from the manual issuance of certificates through 13 steps before reaching the electronic version issued by the Chamber currently, which he said shows the commitment of Dubai Chamber in facilitating the procedure of issuance of certificates of origin.
The Federation of GCC Chambers indicated that its participation in the workshop aims at strengthening the performance of the private sector in the GCC region, and enhancing its competitiveness to lead the growth of the region.
Mrs. Lee Ju Song, ICC WCF CO Task Force Chair presented via a conference call the importance of the CO and the ICC WCF International CO Guidelines, highlighting the benefits of the CO Accreditation as an instantly recognisable International Quality Label.
Mr. Saif Abdullah Al Matrooshi, Acting Director of Membership Affairs Department, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stated that the importance of his department's participation in the workshop as they got an insight into the issuance of certificates of origin and an update on international best practices.
He added that there is already mutual cooperation existing between UAE Chambers in the area of ATA Carnetsand exchange of visits. Now, this workshop will help cement the ties and help the different chambers in the issuance of certificates of origin which has increased over the years and shows the strength of the trade sector, he said.
Mr. Ali Fayel Mubarak, Head of Certificates of Origin Section, Ministry of Economy, stated that the workshop increased awareness regarding the certificates and helped build strong bonds between the chambers. It also enabled the participants to share their experiences with each other, especially in this electronic era which allows quick dissemination of information.
He said that Dubai Chamber has been one of the pioneering chambers in the region and has shown very good customer relations results from its issuance of certificates of origin. Mubarak also called for a closer cooperation between different entities to avoid any challenges or potential risk involved in the issuing of certificates of origin.
Mr. Abdulla Salem Alshaer, Customs Intelligence Director, Dubai Customs, stated that the workshop helped in the exchange of experiences and knowledge and to know the new developments in the issuance of certificates while also knowing the obstacles and risks involved and the ways to handle them.
He further stated that the participation in such forums will enrich the knowledge of the participants as Dubai Customs constantly works towards simplifying procedures to facilitate commercial transactions as the Customs priority is to raise the level of commitment towards its stakeholders. Mr. Alshaer called for enhanced cooperation amongst different entities in identifying the risk factors and to serve the business community.
On his part, Mr Ali Abdulla Ali, Membership Services Representative, Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, informed that his chamber's aim is to look closely at the method of issuing of certificates of origin as there are different practices followed across various GCC chambers. He said the workshop helped the participants share experiences and build new relations with local and GCC chambers on different aspects of future cooperation.
He further stressed that the Abu Dhabi Chamber has earlier cooperated with Dubai Chamber on the ATA Carnet system and looked forward to benefit from Dubai Chamber's trade practices.
The participants then toured Dubai Chamber's membership and Documentation Department, getting an insight into the Chamber's experience in issuing CO.
Established in 1965, the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and 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 2012
