Officials from DC and DC world visit Kazakhstan to discuss customs development

Dubai Customs’ success in levelling up its electronic systems up to world-class standards continues to attract global interest, following the recent international commendation by the WCO’s Columbus Diagnostic Report. 

In this regard, an official delegation from Dubai Customs (DC) and DC World was invited to visit the Republic of Kazakhstan with a view to assessing and standing upon their needs in customs field. The visit also aimed to cascade Dubai Customs’ expertise, optimal solutions and processes to support the country’s development efforts, particularly in trade and economy.

The delegation was received by Kazakhstani officials, who arranged on-field visits  and a series of meetings at the Kazakhstan Customs Headquarters and main Customs centers within the republic.

The Kazakhstani officials were introduced to the inhouse developed and award-winning "Mirsal 2" system launched in 2010, and they were also briefed on the major functions on how Mirsal 2 can streamline a greater added value for their current processes; as an integrated Customs system set to process and deliver all customs services electronically.

The visiting delegation included Faisal Lutfi Issa, CEO of DC  World, and External Relations Director at Dubai Customs,  Younis Othman, Information Technology Department Director at DC and his technical team. They showcased the specifications of Mirsal 2 system, and the quantum leap it made in the customs work due to its cutting edge potential as a comprehensive solution, which already has drastically enhanced DC’s operations and helped expediting customer transactions, saving more than 80% of the time needed per each transaction.

This innovative system was developed internally over a period of two years, as per the standards and requirements of the WCO, and in accordance with global Customs best practices. The aim was to boost economy and facilitate a streamlined trade flow, while taking into account national security interests. The system provides an array of customs services, namely registration, clearance, licensing and e-payment procedures, all through a paperless environment.

Their presentation also covered  Dubai Customs “Risk Engine” System, which allows DC to assess around 84% of non-risky consignments, ensuring around-the-clock clearance without any human intervention in less than two minutes.

DC World CEO highlighted the purpose of the visit, saying: “DC World is always keen on reaching out to customs authorities and administrations around the globe; in a bid to identify their needs in this field then cascading our own innovations and accumulated expertise. In light of this approach we are here seeking to cement positive relationships with our Kazakhstani counterparts, and to closely examine their operating customs systems and update them with our areas of service improvement and across-the-board development, so that we can push further their service quality and identify aspects of mutual cooperation to support our  efforts in anchoring the customs industry globally.”

Dubai-Kazakhstan trade crossed AED 1 billion in 2014, marking an 18% growth compared to 2013. Imports accounted for AED 258 million, while exports were valued at AED 128 million and re-exports at AED 633.