The second expansion project of Ruwais Port is expected to complete by second half of next year contributing greatly in fast recovering business activities and facilitating FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, said an official.
“Ruwais Port is being developed under its second expansion project supported by the Ministry of Transport and Mwani Qatar. The development work is expected to complete during second half of 2022,” said Chairman of the General Authority of Customs (GAC) Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Jamal.
Speaking in a Qatar Radio programme yesterday, Al Jamal said that GAC is ready to provide equipment, human resources and technical requirements to support Ruwais Port enabling it to serve with high efficiency in support of Hamad Port.
To a question about the preparation for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, he said that GAC in coordination with authorities concerned and partners conducted a study about the requirements of mega event and developed a special programme for mega sporting event, first-of-its-kind in Qatar and Middle East. “The programme was implemented on November 15, 2021. We tested the programme during FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021 and it will be officially announced later,” said Al Jamal.
Speaking about the human resources of GAC, he said that custom officers undergo training programmes regularly. “The previous programmes focused on role of custom officers on scanning consignments including goods, parcels and luggage of passengers through x-ray machines. A total of 11 basic courses were held in 2021 in which 380 employees participated,” said Al Jamal.
He said that the programmes on developing the efficiency of customs for x-ray machines continue. “GAC is providing best equipment to scan consignments and training sessions for employees to handle them with high efficiency.”
He said Abu Samra border crossing is being developed completely including both areas trade and passengers. “The development project is expected to complete in September 2022, getting ready to receive fans coming by road for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022,” said Al Jamal.
To another question about international cooperation to boost the customs sector, he said that GAC is keen to build strong relations with regional and other countries of the world. “A number of MoUs have been signed with many countries in combating smuggling and enhancing cooperation. Now we are studying to sign MoUs with Turkey and India for Authorized Economic Operator programme,” said Al Jamal.
In an effort by the General Authority of Customs (GAC) to develop relations of partnership and cooperation with the private sector, for the purpose of facilitating international trade movement in line with the standards of the World Customs Organization, an authorized economic operator programme was launched in 2019, according to a report on the website of GAC. Those participating in the programme will be granted customs benefits and facilities, provided that they adhere to the controls approved by the GAC.
