The Arab Federation of Customs Brokers participated in the World Customs Day conference held in Lebanon under the theme “A Safe Trade Environment to Serve Economic Growth,” with a delegation headed by Dr. Mamdouh Al-Rifai, President of the Federation.
The conference included a presentation on simplifying customs procedures from the initial stages to the final issuance of customs certificates, as well as an introduction to the “ISO” quality certificate, its various features, and its advantages in meeting the needs of customers and clients.
Lebanese Minister of Finance Ali Khalil stated that the government is fully committed to covering all legal and regulatory procedures that allow raising the performance level of customs to the maximum, without any red lines or protections within departments, sites, ports, and border crossings.
The Director-General of Lebanese Customs, Badri Daher, noted that the strategic plan prepared by the Customs Directorate focuses on improving the image of customs and enhancing communication with others. He emphasized that the role of customs goes beyond financial duties like collecting fees and taxes; it also extends economically to protection and encouragement through the main tool, the customs tariff.
Dr. Mamdouh Al-Rifai, in his speech at the conference, said that countries with fast customs clearance are economically advanced and praised the role and cooperation of Lebanese Customs in this regard.
It is noteworthy that the World Customs Day conference in Lebanon was attended by the Lebanese Minister of Finance, the Director of Lebanese Customs, several directors of Arab customs authorities, Arab officials, and a representative of the World Customs Organization. From the Arab Federation of Customs Brokers, the attendees included Dr. Mamdouh Al-Rifai, President of the Federation; Mr. Naja Elias, Board Member; and Mr. Abdullah Mousli.
