Dubai set to welcome WCO Global AEO Conference 2020

The emirate of Dubai is finalizing preparations ahead of hosting the fifth edition of the World Customers Organization (WCO) Global AEO (Authorized Economic Operator) Conference, which is being held in the Middle East for the first time from 10-12 March 2020 at the Festival Arena, Dubai.

The event, which will be hosted by Dubai Customs in cooperation with WCO and the Federal Customs Authority, will comprise key sessions and host a series of roundtable discussions that cover important topics including customs operations and development of a global customs system.

Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director General of Dubai Customs, said: “Dubai Customs has been doubling its efforts to reinforce the UAE’s positioning as a global leader in customs, trade, and logistics. We are proud to be holding the first-ever WCO conference in the Middle East. It is very timely that it is taking place in Dubai along with the upcoming Expo 2020 Dubai, further reiterating to the world the city’s capabilities in this regard.”

The panel discussions are scheduled on the first day of the three-day event to provide an international platform for sharing of ideas and exploring opportunities required to take the flagship AEO program to the next level. The AEO program is instrumental in the creation of international standards for customs procedures and clearances for trading companies.

One of the panel discussions will focus on the important role of customs, government agencies, and inter-governmental institutions involved in international trade and supply chain security in the success of the AEO program, as well as extending the scope of AEO programs to e-commerce operators.

According to Dubai Customs’ Director General, by making AEO programs available to MSMEs and other e-commerce stakeholders, they can fully benefit from opportunities available in cross-border e-commerce activities.

The conference is also seen to drive the global customs sector as well as strategically contribute to the fulfilment of Sustainable Development Goals 2030.

The World Customs Organization represents 183 Customs administrations across the globe seeking to build a stable, safe, transparent and predictable business environment by providing a platform for discussing issues such as harmonized system, rules of origin, and customs valuation, among others.