His Excellency Ambassador Mohammed Al-Rabie, Secretary-General of the Arab Economic Unity Council, and Dr. Mamdouh Al-Rifa’i, President of the Arab Union of Customs Brokers, paid an official visit to Lebanese Customs. The visit comes within the framework of joint Arab cooperation between the Union and all Arab customs administrations, and to discuss challenges impeding trade exchange among Arab countries.
Ambassador Al-Rabie emphasized that Lebanon is a great Arab country that has contributed significantly to the Arab world. He described Lebanon as a foundational pillar and a civilizational beacon among Arab nations, noting its early leadership in customs development and cooperation.
He praised Mr. Badri Daher, Director General of Lebanese Customs, for his rare expertise in the field, stating that Mr. Daher has worked extensively to simplify procedures and adopt advanced technologies in customs administration. He also credited Mr. Daher for playing a major role in establishing the Arab Union of Customs Brokers and for contributing to numerous successful customs mechanisms and initiatives.
For his part, Mr. Badri Daher highlighted that customs reform and modernization ideas are always present within the administration. He emphasized that customs brokers are essential partners in the process, even before customs work begins, and that this strong relationship has elevated the role of customs brokers to a fundamental level.
Mr. Daher reaffirmed that Lebanese Customs is continuously striving to improve performance and develop procedures to simplify processes. He stressed their determination to move forward, not just by enforcing control but through strategic planning and assessing the effectiveness of adopted measures, in alignment with applicable laws. He noted that the Lebanese Customs Law is dynamic and will be developed further without compromising oversight. While technology plays a key role, he affirmed that human expertise remains the cornerstone for information analysis, thus requiring continuous training and capacity building.
He extended his sincere thanks to the Arab Union of Customs Brokers for the honor, and called for ongoing collaboration and information exchange between Union members and Lebanese Customs to support trade among Arab nations.
During the visit, Mr. Daher listened to the concerns and demands of customs brokers, clarifying that Saturday work schedules are not governed by discretionary arrangements, and reaffirming transparency in operations, especially given Lebanon’s current sensitive situation. He emphasized that the administration is working to establish procedures and standards aimed at enhancing overall performance.
Dr. Mamdouh Al-Rifa’i described Mr. Badri Daher as a visionary and inspiring leader, whose character and contributions are vital for advancing customs work across the Arab world. He expressed deep appreciation for Mr. Daher’s instrumental role in founding the Arab Union of Customs Brokers and presented him with a commemorative shield in recognition of his exceptional efforts and support.
Notably, Dr. Al-Rifa’i presented a shield of appreciation from the Union to Mr. Badri Daher, Director General of Lebanese Customs. In return, Mr. Daher presented honorary shields from Lebanese Customs to Ambassador Mohammed Al-Rabie and Dr. Mamdouh Al-Rifa’i.
The meeting was attended by Colonel Adel Francis, Head of the Customs Police; George Sader, President of the Association of Customs Brokers in Lebanon; members of the association; regional customs directors; a large group of maritime agents and customs stakeholders; and members of the Arab Union of Customs Brokers in Lebanon: Mr. Naja Elias (Board Member), Mr. Abdullah Mousalli (General Assembly Member), and Mr. Shadi Hoshar (General Assembly Member).
