The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) has launched the Abu Dhabi Trade Information Portal (TIP), the emirate’s integrated digital solution to facilitate import, export, and re-export procedures, enhancing transparency, reducing costs, and improving operational efficiency.
The platform was launched in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Customs and Maqta Gateway, part of Abu Dhabi Ports Group’s Digital Cluster.
TIP is the newest addition to the range of digital solutions introduced by ADDED, which also includes the Advanced Trade and Logistics Platform (ATLP). The ATLP is designed to digitalize trade processes across sea, land, and airports, as well as special economic zones and free zones in Abu Dhabi.
ATLP also includes the Abu Dhabi Export Gateway (ADEG), enabling exporting companies in the emirate to find suitable markets for their products, contributing to GDP growth. Completing Abu Dhabi’s advanced digital trade ecosystem, TIP offers comprehensive information on the regulations, fees, taxes, and procedures involved in import, export, and re-export processes.
TIP encompasses all stages of the trade journey, offering information on laws and policies, as well as enabling the digital issuance of essential documents like permits, licenses, and certifications. It also provides ready-to-use templates for standard trade documents, including Bills of Lading (BoL) and Certificates of Origin (CO), simplifying compliance with regulations and ensuring smoother transaction processes for businesses.
By using Harmonized System (HS) codes, TIP offers tailored, step-by-step information for each transaction based on product details and transit methods.
Using historical data from the Border Meter system, the platform also evaluates anticipated timelines and costs per procedure. According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), these digital trade platforms can reduce the time spent on customs compliance by up to 50 percent, and lower operational costs associated with brokers and intermediaries between $100 and $1,000 per transaction.
Mohammed Al Kamali, Chief Trade and Industry Officer, Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), said that, “The launch of TIP represents a transformative advancement in Abu Dhabi’s advanced trade ecosystem. This pioneering platform not only streamlines processes but also underscores our unwavering commitment to cultivating a business-friendly environment and championing an innovative, digital-first approach to global trade. By empowering businesses to navigate the complexities of trade with unmatched ease and efficiency, TIP further strengthens Abu Dhabi’s standing as a premier global hub for trade and investment.”
Poul Hansen, Chief, Trade Facilitation, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), stated that, “By adopting the principles contained in UNCEFACT Recommendation No 38 and inspired by UNCTAD’s methodology and Roadmap for building a national Trade Information Portal, Abu Dhabi has established a best practice platform with the objective of creating transparency and simplification of trade procedures. The launch of the Abu Dhabi Trade Information Portal marks a significant milestone in enhancing trade and supply chain transparency and efficiency in the region, fostering economic growth.”
Fahd Ghareeb Al Shamsi, Executive Director of the Support Services Sector at Abu Dhabi Customs, noted that, “The introduction of TIP further supports Abu Dhabi on its journey towards a smart, diversified and resilient economy while contributing to its rapidly expanding economic infrastructure. With a focus on trade facilitation and logistics integration, Abu Dhabi Customs works closely with its strategic partners to enhance operational processes, provide expert support to businesses and enhance foreign trade in alignment with international best practices. By harnessing our logistics capabilities, digital expertise and Al-powered technologies, we are simplifying procedures and enhancing efficiency – particularly in commercial customs corridors and automated services – to improve the customer experience, support trade facilitation and ensure the smooth flow of logistics operations.”
“Abu Dhabi’s adoption of best practices from ITC and UNCTAD in developing its Trade Information Portal is commendable. This strategic initiative will foster a more transparent and predictable trade environment, strengthening the emirate’s attractiveness to investors and traders and driving economic growth,” commented Pierre Bonthonneau, Head of Trade and Investment Facilitation at the International Tade Centre (ITC).
