Doha: The General Authority of Customs (GAC) marked International Customs Day by launching a new package of artificial intelligence services aimed at enhancing customs operations in Qatar. Talal Abdullah Al Shaibi, the Assistant Chairman for Customs Affairs, highlighted the occasion as a time to take pride in the crucial mission of customs, which plays a vital role in safeguarding national resources, boosting economic security, facilitating legitimate trade, and serving the community.
According to Qatar News Agency, Al Shaibi emphasized the importance of digital transformation amidst rapid global changes and increasing trade volumes. He asserted that it is a strategic necessity to improve performance efficiency and prepare the customs system to proactively tackle challenges. The new AI services align with the GAC's Strategic Plan (2024-2030), which aims to develop a leading customs authority offering smart and secure services in line with the Third National Development Strategy and Qatar National Vision 2030.
Al Shaibi elaborated that digital transformation involves more than just upgrading systems; it is a comprehensive re-engineering of the work environment, customer journey, and data-driven decision-making processes. The newly launched AI services are designed to streamline procedures, save time and effort, and transform complex processes into seamless experiences with accurate data analysis and efficient option proposals, thereby enhancing trust and transparency.
He expressed his hope that these services would expedite clearance and release times, minimize human error, improve data quality, and support decision-makers through intelligent and predictive analytics. The GAC's celebrations also included honoring outstanding employees and customs inspectors for notable seizures and recognizing partner and cooperating government and private entities.
In this context, the GCA honored the Qatar Chamber for its ongoing support. The Minister of Finance, Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, presented a certificate of appreciation to Sheikha Tamader Al-Thani, Director of the International Relations and Chambers Affairs Department at Qatar Chamber. Sheikha Tamader expressed her gratitude for the recognition, which underscores the strong partnership and continuous collaboration between the two entities, reinforcing their commitment to facilitating trade and enhancing the business environment in Qatar.
Sheikha Tamader noted that this recognition motivates continued joint efforts to develop coordination and cooperation mechanisms that contribute to streamlining customs procedures, improving service efficiency for the private sector, and boosting the national economy's competitiveness. She affirmed Qatar Chamber's dedication to cooperating with the GAC, recognizing its key role in supporting foreign trade and protecting the national economy. She also expressed eagerness to expand future cooperation areas to benefit the business community and support sustainable economic development objectives in Qatar.