Abu Dhabi Business Centre boosts its electronic approvals

Abu Dhabi, Aug 13, 2013 (WAM) - DED's Abu Dhabi Business Centre (ADBC) has recently finalised the electronic connection procedures for all transactions related to commercial licensing with the UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Aimed at facilitating procedures, saving time and reducing required documents, the step brings the number of government bodies, who are now connected with the Venter to 12 and bringing the percentage of electronic approvals for commercial licenses to 76 per cent. The new step involved the activation of the electronic link system between Abu Dhabi Business centre and the Foreign Ministry. The Ministry usually approves commercial licences for those offices responsible for the visa procedures of Abu Dhabi-based diplomatic corps. "The DED will continue to connect electronically with the federal and local government bodies that are involved in approving commercial licensing. It is expected that by the end of the year, 18 of these bodies will be electronically connected, which means some 90 per cent of commercial licensing procures," said Ali Fahad Al Nuaimi, ADBC's Director Commercial Relations Department . He explained that the ADBC has recently hosted a number of officials from the Foreign Ministry and involved them in several workshops to acquaint them with the system and its procedures. The system can save up to two days in getting the necessary approval. "The electronic links project is one of the key projects carried on by ADBC to provide a "one-window" system for all commercial licensing transactions," Al Nuaimi added. "The Foreign Ministry is a federal body that has been closely involved in the works of those offices that follow up the issuance of visas for the diplomatic corps in Abu Dhabi," said Al Nuaimi. The ADBC is one of the key initiatives taken by the government of Abu Dhabi to set the ground for an ideal business environment on par with international standards, as part of a comprehensive strategic plan that aims to develop the various economic and commercial activities and sectors. It strives to achieve one of the basic requirements of Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, namely the development of an ideal business environment that makes Abu Dhabi a hub that attracts businesses and investors through initiatives and projects that meet their aspirations. "The electronic integration with government bodies is part of a package of electronic services developed by ADBC in cooperation with Abu Dhabi Systems '&' Information Centre (ADSIC) in line with the general strategy of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi to migrate to the e-government and encourage electronic procedures across government departments'" added Al Nuaimi. ADBC's strategic goals involve the provision of single-window services to clients, consultative and technical services on licensing procedures and the legal requirements and procedures involved in different business and service activities, with an eye for boosting Abu Dhabi's robust growth under the wise leadership. "Once the electronic links are finalised with all local and federal bodies in Abu Dhabi, ADBC's clients will be able to issue their new commercial licenses within 2-4 working days. The original license is no more required for the purpose of authentications the electronic services will allow government officials to access license data and print them out in any place. The services will also provide clients with all data and information such as required documents, fees to be paid and the like. "Until now, we were able to electronically tie up with 12 government bodies, including Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce '&' Industry, Transport Department, the Waste Management Centre - Abu Dhabi, Civil Defence Directorate, the Supreme Petroleum Council, Abu Dhabi Centre for Vocational Education '&' Training, Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company, Abu Dhabi Municipality, Al Ain Municipality and Al Gharbia Municipality, Abu Dhabi Environment, Health and Safety Centre and finally the Foreign Ministry'" said Al Nuaimi. He concluded his statement by commending the level of cooperation and coordination between the DED's Abu Dhabi Business Centre and the Foreign Ministry which has shown interest in promoting the strategic partnership amongst government bodies to finalise the electronic integration project. He expressed his hope that ADBC's plan for such integration would be completed by the end of this year. – Emirates News Agency, WAM