The significant progress made by GCC states towards completing the requirements for establishing the Customs Union has been praised at a key meeting.
Customs president Shaikh Ahmed bin Hamad Al Khalifa said these has helped in advancing Gulf customs co-operation.
He was speaking as he attended the 18th meeting of the GCC Customs Union Authority’s executive council in Bahrain yesterday.
The meeting was chaired by council chairman and Qatar’s General Authority of Customs president Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Jamal.
It was attended by heads and directors-general of customs authorities and administrations of the GCC states, as well as council members.
Shaikh Ahmed affirmed the GCC leaders’ commitment to supporting the Customs Union and strengthening integration among member states.
He highlighted the role of the GCC Customs Union Authority in unifying customs policies, regulations and procedures; promoting digital transformation; and developing customs co-operation at the regional and international levels.
This has contributed to the completion of the Customs Union requirements and advancing customs integration
He also commended the efforts of the GCC states to enhance integration and facilitate procedures, contributing to the smooth flow of goods through entry points and supporting trade among member states.
The council discussed the necessary implementation steps to complete the requirements for establishing the Customs Union.
It also reviewed the progress of the project to develop and operate the customs data exchange platform and related technical projects in accordance with the approved plan, as well as the progress of the authority’s operational activities.
The council also reviewed several topics related to strengthening joint Gulf customs co-operation, including the resolutions of the financial and economic co-operation committee, plans for workshops and awareness meetings on the GCC Authorised Economic Operator for 2026, and topics related to combating harmful practices in international trade.
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