In line with its continued mission to digitally transform trade and logistics in Abu Dhabi, Maqta Gateway, the digital arm of AD Ports Group, has unveiled a new inspection and clearance module as part of its Advanced Trade and Logistics Platform (ATLP).
Inaugurated in May 2020 by His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed, Member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Office,under the supervision of the Department of Economic Development, the Advanced Trade and Logistics Platform (ATLP) is an innovative single-window solution designed to unify trade and logistics services across Abu Dhabi, including sea, land, air, industrial and free zones.
Integrating directly with Abu Dhabi Customs’ online services, regulatory authorities, as well as supporting free zone, bonded warehouse, and e-commerce operations, the new inspection and clearance module will not only enable traders to oversee their end-to-end cargo clearance via ATLP but will also enhance related processes in line with the initiatives facilitating trade in the emirate and the UAE as per global requirements and standards.
ATLP’s new module will dramatically improve information sharing through the implementation of a centralised registration process. It also helps streamline customs procedures by adopting an advanced electronic declaration mechanism, whereby goods can be pre-notified by submitting an electronic customs declaration document. In addition to streamlining administrative processes through a single optimised interface that allows all involved parties to share, review, and process trade data.
The integration of the platform with other regulatory authorities such as border control agencies will ensure smoother cross-border operations. Simplifying and enhancing the flow of information exchanged will dramatically shorten import, transit, and export lead-times of goods, lessen instances of overlapping controls and duplication of work, as well as significantly lower operational and administrative costs.
H.E. Rashed Abdulkarim Al Blooshi, Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) / Head of Logistics Sector Development Committee in Abu Dhabi, said: “The unveiling of Maqta Gateway’s inspection and clearance module as part of ATLP is an instrumental development that aligns directly with the leadership’s vision to transform the UAE into a regional and global hub for trade underscored by a robust, reliable,and innovation-powered sustainable economy.
“In an era where digital transformation is having a tremendous impact on how customers, businesses, and government organisations interact, and engage with each other, ATLP is boldly linking nation’s trade and logistics industries together and providing new solutions to improve and foster a more competitive digital trade environment.”
To date, ATLP’s Inspection and Clearance Module and related services have recorded over500,000 transactions and now facilitate more than 80 percent of Abu Dhabi’s customs clearances. In addition, over 50 million transactions were completed via ATLPan innovative single-window solution designed to unify trade and logistics services across Abu Dhabi, including sea, land, air, industrial and free zones.
H.E. Dr. Mohamed Abdelhameed Al Askar, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Digital Authority, stressed the importance of the new inspection and clearance module, pointing out that the partnership between the Authority and government entities reflects the digital government’s vision of realizing the concept of the “invisible government”, providing government services that are proactive and personalized with minimal requirements. In that sense, the “Invisible Government” concept means that all service procedures are completed by private sector service providers and the final result is delivered to customers by harnessing modern digital technologies to save time and effort for customers, which contributes to creating new government experiences and developing new and innovative ways to provide services to customers in accordance with the best international practices.
Al Askar added: “As part of efforts to accelerate the implementation of the “invisible government’s strategic directions, the Abu Dhabi Customs’ “Invisible Customs” initiative was launched within the Abu Dhabi Government Services Ecosystem TAMM. The new initiative aims to integrate government efforts to create more digital solutions and services to facilitate the lives of citizens, residents and business communities across Abu Dhabi, and further strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a regional and global leader in digital government. The services of the General Administration of Customs on the ATLP platform are a true example of implementing the concept of “invisible governments”.
H.E. Rashed Lahej Al Mansoori, Director-General of General Administration of Customs – Abu Dhabi said: “The official launch of the online customs inspection and clearance services via Maqta Gateway’s ATLP falls in line with our ambitious strategy aimed at facilitating a complete transformation that will create an invisible customs ecosystem able to provide comprehensive, smart, innovative and world-class customs solutions, which will enhance the experience of customers, investors, and traders, while also keeping pace with the UAE’s strategic vision for the next 50 years.
“The General Administration of Customs – Abu Dhabi seeks to widen the channels of services provided to users by launching the inspection and clearance services on ATLP. The new services will aid in achieving higher levels of efficiency in facilitating the smooth movement of cargo in and out of Abu Dhabi, as well as improving how we interact with our partner government authorities, free zone operators, and traders. Interlinking with ATLP is delivering clients a complete, secure, and high-level customs service experience, all through an easy-to-use, reliable single-window interface.”
Dr Noura Al Dhaheri, Head of Digital Cluster at AD Ports Group and CEO of Maqta Gateway, said: “As the latest step in our continuing efforts to digitalise trade across the region, ATLP’s new inspection and clearance module marks a key juncture in the country’s ongoing efforts to modernise the movement of goods in and out of the country.
“In addition to providing the tools to streamline processes and enhance transparency across the entire value chain for all parties involved, ATLP is enabling users to better manage their business operations and achieve new levels of efficiency that will make them more competitive within their respective markets.
“The latest addition of our ATLP solution falls in line with the leadership’s vision to realise a fully integrated logistics ecosystem that will elevate Abu Dhabi’s ranking as a global trade hub powered by global best practices and innovation.”
The final part of the latest announcement includes the introduction of Free Zone and Bonded Warehouse processes, as part of ATLP.
The new module’s features include improved services across the cargo journey, reduced congestion at all border points, lessened security risks, cost-effective operational costs, as well as compliance with best global regulatory and industry practices.
Incorporating global best practices aimed at facilitating trade while simultaneously simplifying Free Zone processes without compromising border control effectiveness, ATLP’s newest enhancements will streamline clearance processes, inspections, movement of goods between transport hubs and between the various economic zones, while also supporting Abu Dhabi’s burgeoning e-commerce business with new qualitative and distinctive privileges.
