Dubai Customs has introduced the inaugural edition of the “AEO Connect 2024” forum, a platform for unlocking opportunities to develop the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program and drive trade growth.
The AEO program, a federal initiative in the UAE, plays a pivotal role in enhancing foreign trade by providing its members with a diverse array of benefits and facilitation measures, such as simplified customs procedures, priority processing of transactions, and other advantages that speed up the clearance of goods for compliant companies.
These measures operate within a framework that focuses on enhancing customs security and ensuring trade facilitation. The program connects the country commercially and customs-wise with the global market, facilitating the access of member companies’ goods to international markets, particularly those with which mutual recognition agreements have been signed.
Eman Badr Al-Suwaidy Director of Customs Valuation Department and Manager of the AEO Program – Dubai Customs
“Today, the program includes 130 members in the UAE, with continued expansion expected. The program has achieved significant milestones, including the launch of the regional AEO program for the GCC countries in 2023 and the signing of mutual recognition agreements with key trade partners. This has allowed members to enjoy AEO status with the GCC, South Korea, China, India, and Indonesia, enhancing their standing as trusted traders. As we continue to develop the AEO program, our goal remains clear: to strengthen the partnership between customs and the AEO community. To this end, we are pleased to launch the first edition of the AEO Connect forum as a platform for idea exchange and to promote safe and efficient global trade in line with our shared objectives.”
Eman Badr Al-Suwaidy also expressed her sincere gratitude to “Maersk,” the strategic partner for this edition of AEO Connect, highlighting that their cooperation and commitment were key to the event’s success.
The inaugural edition focuses on the experiences of AEO program members, its impact on business, and future opportunities. Through discussions, the forum will explore how the program has contributed to strengthening supply chain security, improving operational efficiency, boosting compliance, and strengthening the global competitiveness of businesses.
The forum featured a keynote address from Maersk, highlighting AEO 2.0 program’s role in driving global trade facilitation and supporting the resilience of supply chains in the face of global economic challenges.
The evolution of the program toward AEO 3.0 was also discussed, with a focus on digital innovation and the importance of data in enhancing program efficiency and security. Additionally, the program’s new features were presented, such as fast-track trade lanes, trusted trade lanes, digital corridors, smart borders, and smarter risk management.
Furthermore, the forum included a productive panel discussion with representatives from General Motors, Dow Chemical, Huawei, Maersk, and Dubai Customs. The speakers shared how the program has impacted their businesses and their vision for the future of the program.
Through this forum, Dubai Customs seeks to foster communication, support AEO program members, and drive sustainable growth in foreign trade.
