Abu Dhabi, 12 December, 2011: In line with efforts to enhance international cooperation with the US Ministry of Homeland Security, the Abu Dhabi Customs Administration (ADCA) recently received a delegation from the US ministry at the Abu Dhabi Customs Institute. The delegation was headed by George Morton, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement Assistant Secretary, and was welcomed by HE Saeed Ahmed Al Muhairi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Customs, Dr. Tayeb Kamali, Vice Chancellor of the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT), in addition to managing directors and a number of department and division heads at ADCA.
Among the main highlights of the visit was a tour of HCT’s Women College, where visitors observed some of the most significant scientific and technical student projects, in addition to learning about some the latest technologies adopted by the college. The visit also included a tour of the Abu Dhabi Customs Institute where participants were briefed on its various curricula. The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement Assistant Secretary also had a chance to meet the institute’s professors and teaching staff.
During the visit, both parties discussed methods of enhancing bilateral relations between the UAE and the US, and in particular communication channels between the ADCA and the US Ministry of Homeland Security in order to benefit from their experiences and to enhance knowledge among UAE national employees at the ADCA on best global practices pertaining to customs.
Commenting on the visit, HE Saeed Ahmed Al Muhairi praised the support efforts and directives of HE Hamad Al Hur Al Suwaidi, Chairman of the Department of Finance in enhancing relations between the ADCA and the US Ministry of Homeland Security.
“These meetings reflect the commitment of the Abu Dhabi Customs Administration to continuously develop the skill set of its employees in line with its strategy to provide the best customs service possible to support the growth of our national economy. The ADCA believes that it plays an important part in maintaining national security and in facilitating trade relations with other countries,” HE Al Muhairi said.
HE Al Muhairi added: “The ADCA is committed to maintaining communication channels and to promoting the exchange of expertise between both parties. The authority is committed to communicating with developed nations and to learn from their experiences in the fields of customs and facilitating trade activities across borders.”
The US delegation praised the efforts undertaken by the ADCA to further develop the skills of their employees and its initiative to promote cooperation with the US Ministry of Homeland Security.
The ADCA has signed an agreement with the US Ministry of Homeland Security to launch a customs academy and to set up the Customs Institute in Abu Dhabi in 2010. The Institute presented a range of training programs in 2011 which included preparatory courses for customs officers in addition to administration and safety courses. Over 1700 employees have benefited from these courses to date.
The visit concluded with an exchange of gifts and commemorative shields between both parties. A photo was also taken featuring the Director General of the Abu Dhabi Customs and the US delegation.