Dubai Customs hosted an extensive meeting with a delegation from India, led by Arti Agarwal Srinivas, the Director General of Systems and Data Management at the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC). This meeting is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen international economic relations and facilitate trade movement between Dubai and its commercial partners.
The meeting also included representatives from DP World, where discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in bilateral trade, supply chains, logistics services, rapid clearance procedures, and customs facilitation measures aimed at easing trade flow and increasing the movement of goods. Additionally, the development of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) and the associated virtual trade corridor were deliberated.
Dr. Abdullah Boushnak, Director General of Dubai Customs, welcomed the visiting delegation, emphasizing that this visit aligns with Dubai’s economic agenda aimed at solidifying the emirate’s role as a global trade and logistics hub. He highlighted the robustness of the relationship between Dubai and India, noting the rapid growth in various economic avenues, and reiterated their efforts to facilitate trade with Dubai’s partners in Asia, particularly India. The goals include encouraging investments, simplifying trade processes, and enhancing Dubai’s position in global competitiveness indices.
In her remarks, Arti Agarwal Srinivas acknowledged the significant advancements in Dubai’s customs and logistics systems, stating that India views Dubai as a key partner in supporting smooth supply chain operations and a strategic gateway to markets in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.
The meeting was attended by Mansoor Malak, Executive Director of Policy and Legislation at Dubai Customs, and Ateeq Al-Muhairi, Executive Director of Customs Development at Dubai Customs. They reviewed the “MAITRI” platform, a unified digital system designed to facilitate data exchange between customs and port systems in the UAE and India. The aim is to boost cargo movement, reduce delays and customs costs, and open broader opportunities for logistical partnerships that benefit mutual interests and meet future ambitions.