Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority announced on Sunday the start of implementing “customs clearance within two hours” initiative in all its land, sea and air ports. This is after completing the phase that witnessed continuous cooperation and coordination at the customs clearance system in the authority’s bid to make Saudi Arabia a global logistics platform.

This announcement was made during the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority’s celebration of the International Customs Day that falls on Jan. 26. The function was held in Riyadh in the presence of the authority’s Governor Eng. Suhail Abanmi, and representatives of the customs clearance system from the relevant authorities.

Speaking on the occasion, Abanmi said that the implementation of the “clearance within two hours” initiative comes after the completion of an important phase that was full of cooperation and complementary work, and continuous efforts and raising the level of coordination between all the clearing authorities to expand the implementation of the initiative.

He appreciated the keenness of the wise leadership to support the efforts made to achieve the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 by transforming the Kingdom into a global logistics platform, and supporting trade facilitation initiatives, foremost of which is the “clearance within two hours” initiative.

The authority chief noted that this initiative represents a unique model for uniting efforts between the customs clearance authorities with the aim of raising the status of the Kingdom as a global logistics hub.

Abanmi stated that the authority, with the start of implementing this initiative, is looking forward to achieve positive results that go beyond facilitating and increasing the flexibility of customs operations, and raising performance and productivity indicators in all customs ports, and to strengthen the logistics services sector.

It will also support the Kingdom’s global competitiveness, and improve business practices, in line with the Kingdom’s prime location and influential role in accelerating the global economy.