UAE signs agreement with US to boost customs cooperation, trade relations
text_fields
The United Arab Emirates and the United States have signed a landmark agreement to strengthen cooperation in customs matters, aimed at enhancing economic, trade and customs ties between the two nations. The agreement was signed during the official visit of President Sheikh Mohamed to the US, further solidifying the strong political and economic relationship between the two countries.
The agreement was signed on behalf of the UAE by Ali Mohammed Al Shamsi, Chairman of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security and Troy A. Miller, Acting Commissioner of US Customs and Border Protection. The partnership focuses on the exchange of customs expertise, information sharing, and broadening cooperation in customs enforcement and trade facilitation.
Ali Mohammed Al Shamsi emphasized the importance of the agreement in strengthening the economic partnership between the UAE and the US. He highlighted how this collaboration will lead to increased trade, reduced customs violations and improved efforts to combat illicit trade. Al Shamsi also noted that the agreement would pave the way for expanded technical cooperation, particularly through the exchange of information and expertise in customs processes.
He said, “Bilateral trade between the two nations continues to grow steadily, fuelled by the depth of our political and economic ties. This growth brings numerous benefits, with a clear focus on strengthening customs relations, expanding the scope of trade and leveraging best practices to overcome challenges that could hinder the smooth flow of goods along shared supply lines".
Al Shamsi further noted the significance of the UAE’s role as a vital regional gateway for global trade and reiterated the importance of the US as a strategic and historical economic partner, given its status as the world’s largest economy.
He added, "The significance of signing this cooperation and mutual assistance agreement in customs matters with the United States lies in the UAE's pivotal role as a regional gateway for global trade, and the importance of the US – whose economy remains the largest in the world – as a historical and strategic economic partner for the UAE".
This agreement is expected to raise the level of national competencies in both countries by providing training opportunities and exposure to global best practices in customs operations. It also marks another step toward further deepening the economic and trade relationship between the UAE and the US, enhancing the flow of goods along key supply chains while fostering greater technical collaboration.
The UAE and US have enjoyed strong trade relations for decades, with bilateral trade continuing to grow, supported by the close political and economic ties between the two nations. This new agreement signals a continued commitment to ensuring that these ties remain robust and adaptable to the evolving demands of global commerce.