Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, inaugurated the 2013 WCO IT Conference and Exhibition themed ‘Effective Solutions for Coordinated Border Management', in the presence and participation of Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Lt Gen. Sheikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE and Interior Minister Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), and Kunio Mikuriya, Secretary-General of the World Customs Organization. The inauguration of the first-ever World Customs Organization event in the Middle East took place amid an august assembly of more than 1,000 local, regional and international dignitaries, including specialists in customs, security technologies and information technology from more than 100 countries, as well as a number of representatives of various media organizations from all over the world. Sheikh Saif welcomed the assembly and said: "The UAE is proud to host this landmark forum that aims to increase international cooperation and coordination, which are crucial imperatives if we are to advance global trade and tourism. The UAE government has maintained keen interest in the facilitation of cross-border trade, and we are committed to enhancing communication between various stakeholders to elevate this important sector. “As the conference's theme indicates, the adoption of communications technology is the key enabler for every customs departments to achieve its goals of trade facilitation and security. The UAE's success as a hub for global trade and tourism is also testimony to the implementation of an effective customs strategy matched by effective solutions." The opening speeches of the conference also featured an address by Ahmed Butti Ahmed, Executive Chairman of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, and Director General of Dubai Customs. The inaugural ceremony included a tour of the 2013 WCO exhibition, led by Lt Gen. Sheikh Saif. The entourage was briefed on the latest technology and innovations in the field of monitoring and inspection, which included techniques, programs, management applications, as well as customs and ports supporting solutions. The opening ceremony was attended by Sultan Bin Sulayem, Chairman, DP World, Maj. Gen. Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri and leading officials from various government departments. — SG
