More than 1,000 dignitaries, including specialists in customs, security technologies and IT from over 100 countries gathered in Dubai as the first-ever World Customs Organization event in the Middle East  opened yesterday (May 14).

The 2013 WCO IT Conference and Exhibition themed ‘Effective Solutions for Coordinated Border Management’ was inaugurated by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

The event will run until May 16 at Atlantis, The Palm.

"The UAE is proud to host this landmark forum that aims to increase international cooperation and coordination, which are crucial imperatives if we are to advance global trade and tourism,” said Lt General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE and Interior Minister.

“The UAE Government has maintained keen interest in the facilitation of cross-border trade, and we are committed to enhancing communication between various stakeholders to elevate this important sector.

“As the conference’s theme indicates, the adoption of communications technology is the key enabler for every customs departments to achieve its goals of trade facilitation and security. The UAE’s success as a hub for global trade and tourism is also testimony to the implementation of an effective customs strategy matched by effective solutions."

Ahmed Butti Ahmed, executive chairman of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, and director general of Dubai Customs, said: "We are confident that the conference will prove favorable for the vibrant exchange of ideas and experiences from around the world to set up a new global system for coordinated border management.

“It is vital that we take international collaboration in this area to a new level, which speaks to the objectives of the World Customs Organization and serves the interests of the international community at the same time."

The inaugural ceremony included a tour of the 2013 WCO exhibition, led by Lt General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The entourage was briefed on the latest technology and innovations in the field of monitoring and inspection, which included techniques, programs, management applications, as well as customs and ports supporting solutions.

The conference sessions will feature more than 70 speakers comprising key office bearers, leaders, decision-makers and experts in the field of customs management in the region and around the world.

Organized by Dubai Customs, the 2013 WCO IT Conference and Exhibition will feature three panel discussions, three lectures and three specialized technical seminars. Discussions will focus on ways to facilitate legitimate trade to protect the security of borders, ports and customs coordination between countries.

Related topics such as customs inspection, control systems, technical solutions and customs partner activities in trade, transport and logistics supply services will also be examined. – TradeArabia News Service