Interior Minister attends celebration marking World Customs Day

Manama, Jan. 29 (BNA): Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa attended today the celebration of the Customs Affairs to mark the World Customs Day. The event was also attended by Interior Ministry Undersecretary of Nationality, Passport and Residence Affairs, Chief of Public Security and senior officials from ministries and concerned authorities. The Interior Minister expressed thanks and appreciation for the sincere efforts of the Customs Affairs to meet work requirements and the latest developments in the sector. He highlighted that the security system operates within integrated fields and the customs is among them, hailing the seriousness and performance development of the Customs Affairs and its dedication to meet the changes and benefit from successful experiences. He added that the ongoing development is required for all organisations to promote confidence and seriousness that are clear in various sectors of the Interior Ministry. Among recent development procedures of the Customs Affairs are the reduction in the number of attachments for the Customs Statement, the introduction of advanced x-ray screening system, completion of the requirements of the Value Added Tax and the pre-customs clearance process system and the e-payment to facilitate the traffic of travellers, develop trades, and support economic growth. Those development are part of the Customs Affairs Strategy 2017-2020 to achieve the Bahrain Economic 2030 Vision. During the celebration, the President of Customs, Shaikh Ahmed bin Hamad Al Khalifa delivered a speech. He expressed thanks and appreciation to the Interior Minister for his support, highlighting that the Customs Affairs through its work with concerned authorities plays a crucial role in the facilitation of trade and travel through simplifying and unifying procedures at customs ports as well security steps at the borders. The President of Customs highlighted the achievements of the Customs Affairs in 2018, including the election of Bahrain as the Deputy President of the World Customs Organisation for the Middle East, North Africa and Near East region for the third time in a row. This achievement shows the position of Bahrain at the international level and the role of the Customs Affairs in setting the strategy of the World Customs Organisation. The Interior Minister honoured some organisations that work with the Customs Affairs along with distinguished officers and commissioned officers. He hailed their efforts and wished them all the best. After that, the Interior Minister inaugurated the Customs Day Exhibition that showcases the main achievements and projects.