28-02-2023

On Tuesday 28th of February, the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Qatar collaborated with ICC Headquarters, based in Paris, France, to deliver an ‘information session: ICC Customs and Trade Facilitation Commission’ virtually. The information session was conducted by Global Policy Lead, Trade and Customs at ICC, Ms. Florence Binta Diao-Gueye to introduce the ICC Global Commission on Customs and Trade Facilitation and present its latest projects, functioning, and priorities for 2023. Ms. Diao-Gueye, alongside ICC Qatar, led an open discussion with interested companies from the private sector  on the current trends and challenges in the trading landscape. The session served as a platform for participants to interact, share and identify some of the national areas of interest. The virtual event brought together over 70 attendees from diverse backgrounds, including bankers, insurers, lawyers, attorneys, freight forwarders, and cross-border traders. The takeaways from this session will be used to inform the strategic direction of the local Commission, which will be focusing on domestic challenges, advancing business views, consequently improving customs and trade facilitation processes in Qatar, while also feeding into international policymaking on topics of interest, e.g., at the World Customs Organization. ICC Qatar announced that it is in the process of forming a local Commission on Customs and Trade Facilitation with the official launch being scheduled for 2023. The Commission will be led by a Chair that will be supported by Vice-Chair/s (Steering Committee) and members. To that end, ICC Qatar is calling on candidates to fill the vacancies in the Steering Committee. ICC Qatar members are eligible to serve in the governing body, which sets the strategic direction and development of the Commission’s services and ensure its priorities will be met. The deadline to accept nominations for the Chair and Vice-Chair/s role/s is the 30^th of March. On an ongoing basis, ICC Qatar will be accepting applications of candidates to become a member of the Commission. ICC Qatar spokesperson said, “We are proud to announce the onboarding of another Commission, which we believe is an essential one for the State of Qatar and is highly in tune with the ICC’s strategy for 2023. This year, our activities will be structured around four key themes; enabling trade; accelerating sustainability and climate action; shaping an open, trusted and interoperable digital economy, as well as strengthening multilateral cooperation. Representing the private sector remains at the core of what we do. The commissions, comprising private sector members, will act as a locomotive to meet those goals, ultimately benefiting and strengthening the Qatari business community.” Ms. Florence Binta Diao-Gueye stated: “We are delighted that ICC Qatar is launching a local Customs and Trade Facilitation Commission and look forward to working together. Our global work depends on our members from all regions – this is how we can ensure global influence, regional relevance and local impact. Smooth border processes are key in enabling cross-border trade and in our crisis-ridden times, it is critical to use all the tools and instruments available to build more resilient economies that work for all.”\n