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The move aims to boost digital trade and streamline bilateral commerce
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By reducing transaction times, enhancing compliance, and improving transparency, the initiative is expected to significantly benefit both nations’ trading communities
In a significant step toward enhancing trade ties and digital integration, the General Administration of Abu Dhabi Customs recently held a strategic workshop with a high-level Indian delegation led by Arti Agarwal Srinivas, Director-General of Systems and Data Management at India’s Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), under the Ministry of Finance. The event was also attended by officials from the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, according to the Emirates News Agency (WAM).
The workshop aimed to deepen bilateral cooperation in facilitating smoother trade flows, enhancing supply chain efficiency, and accelerating the development of a secure digital trade corridor between the United Arab Emirates and India.
During the visit, the Indian delegation met with Rashed Lahej Al Mansoori, Director-General of Abu Dhabi Customs. The discussions focused on opportunities to advance digital transformation in the customs sector, with a shared commitment to improving operational efficiency and ensuring the seamless movement of goods across borders.
The strategic workshop aligns with Abu Dhabi Customs’ broader strategic goal of fostering global trade partnerships and adopting digital innovations that support the UAE’s economic growth ambitions
A highlight of the event was the presentation of Abu Dhabi Customs’ cutting-edge digital infrastructure, which includes a fully integrated and smart customs management ecosystem. Features such as 24/7 service availability, blockchain-based processes, and integration with government platforms like TAMM and the Advanced Trade and Logistics Platform (ATLP) were showcased.
Key topics discussed included system integration, real-time data exchange mechanisms, and streamlined customs procedures. These efforts are being aligned under the MAITRI initiative, a digital middleware platform that connects various national systems to facilitate international trade. MAITRI is designed to serve a wide range of stakeholders—from government agencies and customs authorities to importers, exporters, and logistics providers—by creating a secure, efficient, and transparent trade environment.
