The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Qatar announces the kickoff of its Commission on Customs and Trade Facilitation (CTF) during its event, 'Mapping the course for United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records (MLETR) implementation in Qatar.' The milestone event was held in collaboration with CQUR Bank LLC on December 4th, 2023, at the Qatar Chamber of Commerce premises. The event set the stage for one of the key notable topics that will be initiated within the ICC Qatar’s Commission on CTF, to be further explored and addressed. ICC Qatar is welcoming members to the Commission to launch and activate the commission by the first quarter of 2024. It was announced during the event that Mr. Hussam Al Kokhon, Head of Trade Finance at CQUR Bank LLC, was appointed as Chair of the Commission. ICC Qatar is continuing to form the steering committee, ensuring a balanced and gender-equal by filling the Vice Chair/s role and members of the commission. The Commission on Customs and Trade Facilitation is a specialized working body composed of business experts who examine major issues of interest to the business world. They prepare policy products, including statements to contribute to governmental discussions, as well as rules and codes to facilitate international business transactions. The Commission’s mission is to advocate for streamlined customs and transportation policies and procedures, along with other practical measures, to enhance global trade and foster an efficient and competitive transportation market. The highly anticipated event brought together national and international speakers to address the various processes and frameworks that underpin digital trade, essential for promoting inclusive and responsible trade. The event witnessed over 110 registrants from an array of industries, members of the private sector and public sector, including representatives from the Ministry of Transport, lawyers, logistics and freight forwarding service providers, transport service suppliers, banks, technology solution providers, and so on. This is a positive and encouraging trend indicating a keen interest in embracing digitized trade processes and accessing different mediums, such as the new national commission, as an advocacy tool. Mr. Luca Castellani, Legal Officer at the Secretariat of UNCITRAL noted, “The interest of the private sector for promoting consideration of the UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records in Qatar is welcome and remarkable. It is not a surprise that ICC Qatar would coordinate that effort, given the significant role that ICC Digital Standards Initiative is playing in MLETR promotion worldwide. Qatar has already adopted UNCITRAL texts on electronic transactions, which makes the adoption of MLETR, if so wished, an easier legislative task. Qatar has therefore an opportunity to join the increasing number of countries that rely on MLETR for state-of-the-art futureproof digital trade” Building on Mr. Luca’s point, Professor Nisreen Mahasneh, professor in Private Law, College of Law at Qatar University pointed out that “Adopting of the Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records 2017 is a complementary step to expand legal electronic dealings in Qatar. The rules of the Qatari Electronic Transactions and Commerce Law 2010 are not alone adequate to implement electronic transferable records in Qatar, these rules need to be supported by the rules of the UNICITRAL Model Law 2017. She indicated that “The UNICITRAL Model Law 2017 does not replace the local laws, it only offers Functional equivalent requirements when the transferable record is issued in electronic form.” ICC Qatar spokesperson emphasized “The launch of the commission will generate many more events; this initiative aligns with ICC Qatar's commitment to promoting efficient trade facilitation and ensuring compliance with international standards. It reflects our dedication to creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive in Qatar and beyond. We listened to the private sector, which motivated the launch of the Commission on Customs and Trade Facilitation. Now, we encourage the private sector to utilize the platform to advocate for matters of interest and participate in the work to enforce convenient trade practices under one voice." On the topic, Mr. Gunnar Collin, Head of Sales - Trade Finance at Enigio AB, pointed out, “Going from paper to digital has previously not been fully possible in trade as some of the documents are either negotiable instruments or documents of title i.e. where you need to be able to control and possess a certain original document. All this is now changing thanks to the guidance given by UNCITRAL’s model law on electronic transferable records (MLETR) and its adoption into local legislation across the globe.” Mr. Oscar Sanz-Paris, Deputy CEO at CQUR Bank LLC referenced the same. Sharing similar views and underscoring the importance of partnership to achieve goals, Mr. Mamadou Traore, Corporate Banking Territory Manager at Finastra, echoed Mr. Gunnar's sentiments, stating, “It is extremely encouraging to see that Qatar, as an early mover in the region and through ICC Qatar, is taking the necessary steps to transition from paper to digital. We at Enigio are very happy and proud to take part in this change, providing the technical capabilities necessary for all parties to create, manage, and exchange electronic documents in accordance with this new legal framework,” said Mr. Gunnar. For more information on the Commission on CTF, to apply for Vice-Chair or Commission Member roles, or to inquire about ICC Qatar's initiatives, please contact: sherwet@qcci.org\n