4/5/2017
QC spearheads initiative to unify GCC Certificates of Origin
Qatar Chamber (QC) participated in the World Chambers Federation(WCF) and the Greek Chamber of Commerce meeting on the electronic certificates of origin and ATA Carnet which was hold in Athens, Greece yesterday.
The QC’s delegation headed by the Director General Saleh bin Hamad Al-Sharqi and included Qatar Chamber and ICC Qatar Director of International Relations and Chamber Affairs Sheikha Tamader Al Thani and Head of Financial Dept. Tania Radwan.
The meeting reviewed the application of the electronic Certificates of Origin and ATA Carnet. It also displayed the successful experiments of developed countries in this regard.
QC has spearheaded an initiative aimed at unifying the Certificates of Origin (Cos) issued by the GCC countries and adopting the official form for COs approved by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) .
“All GCC countries, foremost of which is Qatar, will join the certificate of origin c approved by the international institutions,” he added.
Al-Sharqi noted that a joint committee set up among GCC chambers to implement the GCC-Unified Certificate of Origin soon , noting that Qatar is a member of this committee.
Following the approval of the unified COs , they will be circulated to all GCC member states before acceding to European certificate of origin.
He said: “The initiative, once approved, will facilitate trade between the State of Qatar and GCC member states, on one hand, and with the European countries, on the other hand.”
Underscoring the importance of E-Certificates of Origin among GCC, Al Sharqi said it contributes to strengthening the GCC intra-regional through this system aimed at enhancing the flow of goods and increasing trade volume among GCC countries.
QC’s Director General said in a press release following the meeting that Thursday’s meeting will focus on the ATA Carnet system, where he will deliver a presentation on the final phases of implementation of ATA Carnet system in Qatar, “which is expected to be enforced in Qatar by the year-end, once approved by authorities concerned.”
He underlined the role played by the ATA Carnet in facilitating customs procedures which is the cornerstone to support imports, exports and trade in general.
“The ATA Carnet is a special type of passport for exporting and importing goods and is accepted by 74 countries. The ATA Carnet allows holders to forgo normal customs procedures and fees and import items into a member country without paying any taxes for up to one year. It is administered by the World Customs Organization (WCO),” he pointed out.
Al-Sharqi noted that the Chamber was chosen to be the “national guarantee” to implement the ATA Carnet program in Qatar as part of its responsibility toward the Qatari business community.
In addition to facilitating trade, the program is seen as a good way of encouraging more international participation in exhibitions, trade shows, conferences and other gatherings where business representatives from other countries need to bring goods with them. The ATA Carnet covers commercial samples, professional equipment and tools and goods for fairs and other exhibitions.
Speaking at the meeting, the Dubai Chamber Acting Director Atiq Nasif highly appreciated the Qatar’s proposal which was aimed at unification of the GCC Certificates of Origin and adopting the electronic issuance among all GCC countries. The proposal was introduced during the 42nd FGCCC meeting hold in Dubai.
About World Chambers Federation (WFC)
As a non-political, non-governmental body, WCF is the backbone of the chamber community providing a platform for chamber leaders to communicate and collaborate with each other on matters of mutual interest and facilitating beneficial partnerships.
WCF’s extensive chamber membership plays a pivotal role in connecting ICC to SMEs worldwide and in promoting the important role SMEs play in the global economy. Recognising this valuable role, WCF provides chambers with the support they need to help SMEs face the challenges and opportunities of globalization.
WCF works to enhance chamber capacity to foster private sector development and has developed strong ties with a range of multilateral organizations, including the World Bank, the United Nations Development Programme and regional development banks.
WCF also works with other private sector groups to extend programs of assistance and training for chambers of commerce, particularly from developing and least developed countries.
The activities and projects of WCF involve local, regional, national, bilateral, transnational, as well as public-law and private-law chambers.
