The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority participated in the FIATA World Congress 2023 held in the Belgian capital, Brussels, between 03 – 06 October (18 – 21 Rabi Al-Awwal), organized by the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA) and attended by many parties from around the world, who are interested in the logistics industry.
The Authority's participation in this international event comes as an exhibition booth accompanying the Congress to review the logistics and customs services provided by the Authority, which are related to facilitating trade. The most notable of which is “Saudi Authorized Economic Operator" Priority Program which is based on the concept of partnership between the Authority and establishments, which is based on the concept of partnership between the Authority and commercial establishments, promotes global supply chain security, and provides more trade facilitation benefits. This is in addition to introducing the logistical and customs services it provides in the bonded zones and the “Clearance within Two Hours" Initiative. The Authority's participation also included a review of the facilities provided to freight forwarders, which enable freight forwarders to provide unique logistical services that are consistent with its targets in order to enhance the Kingdom's position to be a global logistics platform, by facilitating customs procedures and developing them for achieving the flexibility in the customs clearance process.
ZATCA also participated in the workshop held within the activities of the Congress, as it reviewed its experience in the “Clearance within Two Hours" Initiative, which is a novel model for consolidating the efforts of customs clearance authorities and aims to elevate the Kingdom's position as a global logistics hub. This is in addition to presenting customs services provided by the bonded zones, and clarifying the extent of their contribution to provide an attractive investment environment for the Kingdom.
The Authority also seeks that its participation will strengthen relationships of the Authority with officials and experts in the fields of logistics and trade facilitation. The FIATA exhibition represents an opportunity to discuss developments in the logistical issue and global trends in logistics services and its role in the field of facilitating global trade and improving industries and services in the field of transport, shipping, logistics services, and the development of unified shipping documents.
The FIATA Exhibition and Congress is a global forum for presenting and debating any matter related to the shipping and logistics industry, emphasizing the logistics industry's future in light of technological advancements, its role in achieving regional and global integration, and the significance of promoting human capabilities working in the industry. One of the main goals of the Congress is to evaluate the arising practices, such as technology solutions and information sharing between Customs and other agencies.
