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Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Customs expects to earn more than Dh2 billion in customs duties in 2008, a more than 30 per cent increase over the revenue collected last year, a spokesman for the customs department said on Tuesday.
"Last year, Abu Dhabi Customs collected revenue of about Dh1.5 billion," said Martin Edwards of Deloitte.
He was authorised to speak on behalf of Abu Dhabi Customs by Mohammad Abdullah Al Hameli, director of customs operations - western region.
Edwards said a 45 per cent year-on-year increase has been reported in trade volume through all the customs posts in Abu Dhabi up to the end of May.
Deloitte is a consultant assisting in the modernisation of the customs administration in Abu Dhabi. "The two-year programme is now 65 per cent complete," said Edwards.
Al Hameli said Abu Dhabi Customs plans to build two bonded warehouses. Construction is likely to begin in 2009.
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"It's in the early stages of planning and the cost of construction cannot be determined as of now," said Al Hameli.
Edwards said there are 13 customs posts in Abu Dhabi and more are likely to come up over the next two years, including one at Gwaifath on the UAE-Saudi Arabia border.
Earlier on Tuesday, DHL Express and Abu Dhabi Customs signed a Memorandum of Understanding to launch the first Electronic Data Interface (EDI) system for the logistics sector in Abu Dhabi that will ensure faster clearance of imported goods.
The new system called the 'Gold Card' programme, allows DHL customers to lodge and complete customs declaration processes prior to the arrival of their goods.
Using DHL's EDI Solution, customers can send their shipment information electronically and receive customs clearance confirmation within a few hours, with shipments cleared in the air before landing in Abu Dhabi.
The new system improves the previous customs clearance process that took an average of 24 hours to complete, following the arrival of the goods.
DHL offers expertise in express, air and ocean freight, overland transport, contract logistic solutions as well as international mail services, combined with worldwide coverage along with an understanding of local markets.
DHL's international network links more than 220 countries and territories, worldwide.
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