Abu Dhabi, UAE – 03 June 2024: At the invitation of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), an Abu Dhabi government delegation led by the General Administration of Abu Dhabi Customs with participation from the Department of Economic Development - Abu Dhabi and Maqta Gateway (a subsidiary of AD Ports Group), showcased pioneering trade facilitation practices at the Third Global Forum of National Trade Facilitation Committees in the margins of the First Global Supply Chain Forum, organized by UNCTAD and the Government of Barbados, in the capital Bridgetown, from 21 to 24 May 2024, under the theme "Transport, Logistics, and Trade Facilitation for Sustainable Development."

During its participation, Abu Dhabi Customs, represented by Mr. Fahad Al Shamsi, Executive Director of Support Services Sector, highlighted its pioneering digital transformation efforts and exceptional experience developing customs services and systems that contribute to creating a digital trade ecosystem, facilitating global trade, and enhancing logistics services and supply chain management.

Engineer Khaled Al Marzooqi, Director of Development and Strategic Planning Department, presented in a panel discussion on emerging technologies for global supply chains, the AI-powered Smart HS Classification Tool, one of Abu Dhabi Customs' advanced technological projects.

This tool is an advanced search engine that helps users easily and quickly determine the correct Harmonized System code for goods they wish to import or export, including applicable customs duties, taxes, and restrictions.

Meanwhile, Maqta Gateway highlighted its vision and achievements through developing and operating the advanced "ATLP" trade and logistics platform under the Department of Economic Development's supervision. It has expanded from developing the region's first Port Community System to exporting world-class technology solutions, with reference to the Abu Dhabi Export Gateway and the Abu Dhabi Trade Information Portal, emphasizing their role in meeting the evolving needs of trade while prioritizing sustainability.

In her keynote, Dr. Noura Al Dhaheri, CEO of Digital Cluster and Maqta Gateway at Abu Dhabi Ports, urged developing economies to adopt single trade windows more swiftly. She stated, "The single trade window represents the beginning of limitless opportunities for countries. It is essential for stakeholders, under government guidance, to collectively benefit from its implementation." She added, "Single window solutions will facilitate real-time access to data for decision-making, provide large datasets supporting AI applications, and contribute to the continuous improvement of systems. It also lays the foundation for virtual trade corridors with major trading nations, ultimately facilitating global trade."

The Forum was attended by over 1,000 participants, including representatives from over 200 international organizations. It addressed key issues in trade facilitation and supply chain resilience on a global scale.

It is noteworthy that the UNCTAD Global Forum on Supply Chains constitutes an extraordinary global event and a pivotal gathering that brings together leaders, experts and international organizations to shape the future of global trade. It also constitutes a global dialogue platform aimed at stimulating investment in areas of sustainable development and shaping the features of the international investment environment, in line with the sustainable development goals of the United Nations and the United Arab Emirates.