Cairo, February 24, 2025 – The 61st meeting of Directors General of Customs for the North of Africa, Near, and Middle East Region was convened on Sunday at the Secretariat General of the Arab League in Cairo, with significant participation from heads, directors, and representatives of customs authorities across the region. This crucial gathering brought together key customs officials to discuss matters central to enhancing the efficiency and security of the customs sector, which plays a vital role in shaping the region's economic landscape.
The Saudi delegation was headed by Eng. Abdullah bin Ahmed Al-Funtukh, the Vice Governor of the Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority (ZATCA) for Strategy and Trade Facilitation. His participation highlighted Saudi Arabia’s commitment to promoting trade facilitation and customs reforms, in line with global standards, ensuring the Kingdom's integral role in fostering regional collaboration and economic prosperity.
The meeting commenced with a speech from Ambassador Dr. Ali bin Ibrahim Al-Maliki, Assistant Secretary General and Head of the Economic Affairs Sector at the Arab League. In his address, Ambassador Al-Maliki underlined the significance of the theme for World Customs Day 2025, launched by the World Customs Organization (WCO). The theme, "Customs Delivering on Its Commitment to Efficiency, Security, and Prosperity," was emphasized as a guiding principle that will inspire customs authorities worldwide to implement critical reforms and measures in line with these objectives. He highlighted the central role that the customs sector plays as a pillar of national economies, driving trade, security, and overall prosperity for member countries.
The meeting’s agenda covered a range of pressing issues, including enhancing the efficiency of customs operations, streamlining procedures to facilitate trade, and addressing security concerns in light of evolving global challenges. These discussions are aimed at fostering stronger collaboration between the countries of the region, helping to ensure that the customs sector remains adaptive, secure, and responsive to the needs of modern trade.
The successful gathering in Cairo is a testament to the collective efforts of the region’s customs authorities, as they work toward realizing the goals of efficiency, security, and economic growth. With a shared commitment to advancing these objectives, the meeting represented a key milestone in strengthening cooperation within the North of Africa, Near, and Middle East Region, positioning the customs sector as a catalyst for regional and global prosperity.