October 21, 2009
Jerusalem – The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), in coordination with the Palestinian Authority and Israeli Customs, launched the latest in a series of joint Palestinian-Israeli customs training courses. The USAID-funded Trade Facilitation Project organized the sixth in-depth training session focusing on the entire customs clearance process, developed by technical and professional specialists from the Israeli Customs Administration for more than 30 employees of the Palestinian Authority's Customs and Excise Department. The training is taking place in Jerusalem.
The intensive 10-day session is intended to help build the capacity of the Palestinian Authority and strengthen vital relationships between the two customs agencies. Building trust and cooperation is a necessary step in encouraging and facilitating bilateral trade, enhancing revenue collection, and effectively communicating with trade partners.
"This is the most important training course because it touches on the subject of data which is one of the most critical issues of the customs clearance process, said Mr. Fouad Al Shobaki, Acting Director of the Palestinian Authority Customs and VAT Department. “It will provide us with the base to build the PA Customs into a strong institution that can operate effectively at crossing points in the future.” Improved capacity and professionalism within the PA Customs will promote fair treatment for Palestinian businesses, increase the PA revenue, and promote economic development.
In particular, this training is intended to teach Palestinian customs officers how to make use of the data that is available to them and how to prepare for use of a possible data interface that may be established between the PA and Israeli customs. The sessions are also crucial in strengthening the professional relationships between the two sides, which will ultimately help enhance economic development.
Israeli officials are also pleased with the continued collaboration and opportunity to share their knowledge and experience. The Deputy Director General of the Israel Customs Directorate of the Israel Tax Authority Mr. Reuven Meltzer noted that the Israel Tax Authority will continue to support the development of the PA Customs. Mr. Meltzer noted that continued cooperation between the PA and Israeli Customs is critical because they share the same customs envelope and trade policy. Only true and fruitful cooperation between the customs authorities can assist the importers and exporters they serve, and thereby advance the two economies.
The USAID-supported Trade Facilitation Project, which organizes the current customs trainings, aims to boost trade and economic opportunities in the West Bank and Gaza.
Since 1994, USAID has provided $2.9 billion in U.S. economic assistance to Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza via projects designed to reduce poverty, improve health and education, build infrastructure, create jobs, and promote democracy and good governance.
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