The UAE Ministry of Economy has announced plans to launch e-Payment service for the Gulf Certificates of Origin, a key document for exporting companies, starting from Sunday.

This initiative comes in line with the directives of Sultan Saeed Al Mansouri, UAE Minister of Economy, to support the government’s development outlook and 'UAE vision 2021', said a statement from the ministry.

Al Mansouri said this was one among the many procedures to be implemented soon to contribute to enhance the national economy, while offering an attractive environment for foreign investors in the UAE.

'The certificate of origin is very important for exporting companies, as it helps in diversifying to more foreign markets. It is also a necessary document to identify the origin of the products to decide customs rates,” the minister noted.

Al Mansouri said the UAE has signed a number of agreements with several countries in the region and abroad, to facilitate customs procedures and trade exchange activities.

The new electronic service has many advantages for investors, as it saves effort and time, and assists in creating a vibrant business environment, he added.

Ali Fael, director of Origin Department at the Ministry, said: “We have an integrated plan to launch five types of e-Payment for certificates of origin.

'The types of the certificates of origin include Arab certificate of origin, GSP certificate of origin form A, General certificate of origin, European certificate of origin.”

The Ministry said it had issued a total of 139,000 certificates of origin last year across the country.-TradeArabia News Service