Open session organised to clarify customs policies and procedures

Dubai, December 12, 2007 - Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group recently organised an open session with the support of the Dubai Customs to familiarize jewellery traders with customs policies and procedures governing jewellery business in the UAE.

The session, held at the Dubai Chamber, was chaired by Ms. Maitha Al Falasi, Senior Manager, DMCC Customs. A broad range of topics relating to regulations governing gold trade was discussed at the forum.

Al Falasi commented, "This is the first open forum we conducted for the jewellery trade and the response was very encouraging. Over forty members from Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group attended the session and we were able to clarify important issues pertaining to legal documentation required for clearing shipment in customs counters. We are happy to do regular sessions like this at least once in 6 months to keep the trade updated of any changes in regulations.

"DMCC Customs is focused on raising the image of UAE and Dubai, in particular, as a business hub for all international trading and open forums like this promote understanding and co-operation with the trade".

The DMCC Customs team also explained procedures for tracking shipments, process for return shipments due to repairs, customs requirements for items containing gold, service and inspection charges and other matters pertaining to import and export.

"It was a highly useful session. Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group's efforts to provide opportunities for interactions with the Customs officials and other government departments will help traders with latest information on policies and procedures," said Harish Pahuja of Finja Jewellers who was one of the attendees.

The three-hour session was moderated by members of the Board of Directors of the Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group.

 "Gold has now for long been identified as a mainstay of Dubai's economy and as a leading gold trade centre in the world, strong and continued interaction between traders and various government departments is very important," commented Chetan Karani, Deputy Managing Director of Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group.

DGJG also commended Ms. Maitha Al Falasi and her team for their continued support to the jewellery trade in Dubai.

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About Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group (DGJG)
Formed with the support of the Dubai Department of Economic Development in 1996, the Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group (DGJG) is a trade association with over 700 members representing all sectors of the trade, including bullion trade, manufacturing, wholesale and retail.  The Group has since then evolved into a prestigious trade body committed to developing and sustaining Dubai's status as the 'City of Gold'. It also leads the campaign to position Dubai as 'The Jewellery Destination of the World'.

DGJG represents the interests of the trade through liaising with government organizations. Its Board of Directors include representations from Dubai Customs, Dubai Multi Commodities Centre and DSF committee.  The Group also works closely with international organizations like the World Gold Council, the World Diamond Council, the International Gemological Institute (IGI), High Diamond Council (HRD) and CIBJO (The World Jewellery Confederation).

For further information, please contact: Lisa George/Jonathan Tudor, ASDA'A Public Relations,Dubai. Tel: 0097143344550. E-mail: l.george@asdaa.com/j.tudor@asdaa.com

© Press Release 2007