On Thursday, October 4, 2018, His Excellency Mr. Sayed Kamal Negm, Head of the Egyptian Customs Authority, received Dr. Mamdouh Al-Rifai, President of the Arab Union of Customs Executives, and the accompanying delegation at his office at the Egyptian Customs Authority. This meeting was part of the implementation of the cooperation agreement signed between the Union and the Egyptian Customs Authority.
The meeting began with a warm welcome from Mr. Sayed Negm to the President of the Arab Union of Customs Executives and his delegation.
Mr. Negm emphasized his respect for all customs executives, noting that they are an essential part of the customs work system and indispensable partners in its success.
Dr. Mamdouh Al-Rifai opened his remarks by thanking Mr. Negm and the officials of the Egyptian Customs for their kind reception. He presented a congratulatory letter on the occasion of the anniversary of the glorious October victories.
He then gave a brief overview of the Arab Union of Customs Executives, its goals, achievements, and recent activities, and presented a letter of appreciation received from the Arab Economic Unity Council at the League of Arab States for the Union’s efforts, particularly the study it submitted regarding “Reconstruction in Arab Countries.”
Dr. Al-Rifai pointed out that the Union is currently preparing a comprehensive program on “Combating Customs Evasion, Commercial Fraud, Counterfeit Goods, and the Shadow Economy” through organizing workshops and collecting information from relevant entities (Customs Authority, General Organization for Export and Import Control, Standardization Authorities, Consumer Protection, Ministry of Health, etc.). He added that the Union is also preparing informational videos and guides on the topic and plans to launch an Arab electronic portal. He requested the participation of Egyptian Customs in information exchange.
He also stressed the need to activate the agreement signed with Egyptian Customs through joint training programs to train and qualify customs executives, similar to customs employees.
Dr. Al-Rifai mentioned the responsibilities and duties of customs executives towards customs, such as proper conduct with customs officials, attending inspections, valuation procedures, and knowing that their role ends at the customs gate. He also emphasized the importance of being up to date with laws, regulations, and customs updates.
He announced the Union’s plan to offer social and health services through the establishment of a solidarity fund and a health insurance system for members, aiming to improve the well-being of Arab customs executives.
The meeting also covered the responsibilities of Arab customs executives under Egyptian customs law and reviewed the Union’s proposal for combating customs evasion, commercial fraud, and the shadow economy through conferences, workshops, media materials, social media, and public awareness campaigns.
There was also a discussion about adopting the Union’s electronic portal for sharing and publishing customs-related information relevant to its members.
The Union proposed the training of customs executives and the organization of specialized courses to enhance their qualifications. The Egyptian Customs Authority welcomed the proposal and agreed to coordinate with the Union to determine the required training materials and programs, acknowledging its pool of highly qualified trainers.
Union representatives requested that its members be granted priority and benefits at Egyptian customs posts and terminals in accordance with the signed agreement.
It was agreed to include customs executives holding the Union’s membership card in the “Authorized Economic Operator” program. Furthermore, the Union’s legal representative would attend any customs investigations involving affiliated executives and would be part of the disciplinary committee handling such cases.
A proposal was also presented to allow the inheritance of customs clearance licenses by outstanding offices when the license holder reaches the age of 70 and retires voluntarily, provided all conditions set by the Customs Authority are met, including attendance of refresher courses to maintain standards.
Mr. Sayed Negm commented positively on the proposal, stating that there is no objection to license inheritance if the executive’s reputation allows it. He praised the initiative, highlighting that it supports continuity and quality in customs clearance and preserves professional legacy.
At the end of the meeting, Mr. Negm presented the Egyptian Customs Authority Shield to Dr. Mamdouh Al-Rifai in appreciation of the tremendous efforts made by the Union.
Attending the meeting on behalf of the Arab Union of Customs Executives were:
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Mr. Samir Abu Al-Nasr (former Secretary General of the Union)
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Mr. Mohamed Hamada (Assistant Secretary General)
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Ms. Rana Al-Jamal (Director of the Union President’s Office)
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Ms. Marianna Mahfouz (Director of the Media Sector)
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Mr. Omar Sadat (Executive Affairs Officer)
From the Egyptian Customs Authority:
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Dr. Ahmed Sabeeh (Head of the Central Department of Public Relations and Communications)
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Mr. Hilal Tawfiq (Head of the Central Department for Air Exports)
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Mr. Ahmed Shehata (Director General of the Technical Office)
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Mr. Atef Ibrahim (Director General of Internal Communications and Media Advisor to the Head of the Authority)
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Ms. Mona Anwar (Section Head at the General Department of Communications)
