12-point strategy to boost inter-GCC trade in spotlight

The GCC Customs Union Authority (GCCCUA) and Federation of GCC Chambers (FGCCC) have jointly explored 12-point recommendations proposed by the GCCCUA on ways of activating inter-GCC trade and facilitate customs formalities, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The recommendations were discussed at a recent meeting, organized by the FGCCC, at the Council of Saudi Chambers (CSC) premises in Riyadh.
The recommendations called for the promotion of customs procedures.
The GCCCUA also called for the increase of working hours at joint land ports, easing of movement of truck drivers of non-GCC citizens with multiple entry visas, training and rehabilitation of staff at customs ports, privatization of certain categories of customs ports, integration of customs centers to avoid dual customs tariffs, reduction of customs procedures and focusing on security precautions, establishment of a data center and have it linked with all customs ports, and adoption of a single electronic customs clearance system.
To address the issue of truck pile-up at customs ports, the GCCCUA proposed the establishment of an independent track for unloaded (empty) trucks, which need no customs clearance and make up 51 percent of truck activity, another track for trucks carrying tangible loads such as steel, which could easily be seen and checked.
The GCCCUA supported a call made by the GCC Supreme Council at its 22nd session in Oman to exempt the gold products and precious metals industry from customs duties.
The GCCCUA said the mechanism of joint customs fee collection be reconsidered to become more flexible, a matter that will boost flow of goods and open up markets between the GCC countries.
Goods and truck pile-up at customs ports has created enormous problems for both business and land transport sectors and has adversely affected the industrial firms in meeting obligations and timelu delivery of their products to customers, the GCCCUA said.