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10 October 2024

GCC imports via UAE hit Dh32bn

Published
By Abdulhai Mohammed
 

(FILE)   

 

 

The total value of imports entering GCC countries via UAE ports and customs outlets between January 2003 and September 2006 was Dh32 billion.

 

And the total customs duties collected by the UAE on behalf of the GCC countries in the same period amounted to Dh1.6bn, said Saeed bin Khalifa Al Merri, Deputy Director-General of the Federal Customs Authority (FCA).

 

Saudi Arabia’s share was Dh573 million, Oman’s was Dh448.7 million, Qatar’s was Dh296.8m, Kuwait’s was Dh158.8m and Bahrain’s was Dh77.7m.

 

Al Merri revealed the figures as the 18th meeting of the Customs Clearance Committee at the GCC Secretariat-General, which began yesterday in the Saudi capital of Riyadh.

Al Merri said that the meeting was held to determine the amounts of money that each GCC country should receive from customs revenues in 2006.

 

In addition final approval would be given for the amounts owed to each country for the first nine months of 2007 and talks would be held on the various difficulties arising from the clearance mechanism.

 

He said the value of goods entering the GCC states via the UAE underlined the importance of the customs union to the country. It also highlighted the highly important role played by UAE outlets in generating trade throughout the GCC region.

 

He added: “It also reflects the extent of the growth of trade among GCC countries and with external countries in the light of comprehensive development plans adopted by the leadership of the Gulf countries over recent years.”