Qatar took part in the 18th meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Customs Union Authority, which convened in Bahrain. Representing Qatar was Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Jamal, chairman of the General Authority of Customs and president of the Executive Council of the Customs Union Authority.

The session focused on strengthening and advancing joint customs cooperation among GCC member states. Central to the discussions were the resolutions from the 125th meeting of the Financial and Economic Cooperation Committee, particularly the steps necessary to complete the establishment of the Customs Union.

Participants also reviewed ongoing efforts to improve transit and customs clearance procedures, considering recent developments in the region. Reports submitted by various technical committees and teams were examined, and the council followed up on the implementation status of previous Executive Council decisions.

The meeting paid special attention to progress on strategic projects under the Authority’s agenda, notably the development and operation of a customs data exchange platform designed to enhance information sharing among GCC states. Additionally, several related technology initiatives aimed at modernizing customs operations were discussed.

Operational updates on the Authority’s activities across member countries were also part of the agenda, reflecting continued efforts to harmonize customs procedures and facilitate regional trade integration.