Dr. Mamdouh Al-Rifai, President of the Arab Union of Customs Executives, signed a joint cooperation protocol with Mr. Samir Majoul, President of the Tunisian Union of Industry, Trade, and Handicrafts, on Wednesday, October 30, 2019, at the headquarters of the Tunisian Union in the Republic of Tunisia.
This signing comes within the framework of the Union’s plan to achieve its objectives, particularly facilitating Arab trade, combating commercial fraud and the shadow economy — all of which serve the interests of both citizens and the Arab economy.
The protocol includes several areas of joint cooperation between the two parties, such as conducting studies and research, offering consultations, and providing data and services related to opening markets in Arab countries. The goal is to create opportunities for collaboration among manufacturers, companies, exporters, importers, customs executives, business communities, and economic operators in Arab countries. It also includes organizing training programs, conferences, seminars, and workshops aimed at developing and training human resources in relevant topics and issues — especially those related to the proper application of trade, economic, and customs laws — targeting economic operators in Tunisia and other Arab countries.
The agreement also covers the exchange of expertise between both parties and the promotion of economic, industrial, and customs awareness among business communities and economic operators, thereby facilitating intra-Arab trade.
At the beginning of the signing ceremony, Dr. Mamdouh Al-Rifai extended his thanks and appreciation to Mr. Samir Majoul for the warm welcome, hospitality, and support provided to achieve their mutual goals.
Al-Rifai affirmed that the Union would always act as a technical supporter for the Agadir Agreement’s Technical Unit and the private sectors of the Agadir Agreement countries to implement the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program. He also stressed the need to activate electronic systems and their role in facilitating Arab trade exchange.
During the meeting, the President of the Arab Union of Customs Executives proposed holding a joint seminar with the Tunisian Union and the Agadir Agreement Technical Unit targeting Tunisian economic operators. The seminar would focus on how to benefit from the Agadir Agreement and the challenges faced by Tunisian economic operators within its framework.
He noted that this seminar is part of a series of similar events that the Union plans to hold with Agadir Agreement member states (Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, and Jordan).
For his part, the President of the Tunisian Union emphasized the importance of economic cooperation among business communities. He stated that coordination and collaboration between the two parties would lead to success in areas of mutual interest, ultimately benefiting Tunisian economic operators and enhancing the well-being of Arab citizens.
The signing ceremony was attended, on behalf of the Arab Union of Customs Executives, by Dr. Mamdouh Al-Rifai (President of the Union), Ms. Rana Al-Jamal (Director of the President’s Office), and Dr. Islam Karam (Advisor to the Union President).
Representing the Tunisian Union were Mr. Mohamed El-Kaali (Vice President of the Union), Mr. Hassan El-Karoui (Director of Foreign Relations with Arab Countries), Mr. Adel El-Homani (Head of the Syndicate Chamber of Customs Brokers within the Union), and Ms. Samia Idris (Secretary-General).
