AD Ports Group has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the International Trade Centre (ITC), a joint agency of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization (WTO).
The agreement focusses on enhancing cooperation in trade facilitation, digital trade, logistics, and transport through policy dialogue, digital solutions, capacity building, experience sharing, and technical assistance.
The MoU was signed by Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, managing director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, and Pamela Coke-Hamilton, executive director of ITC.
Through this partnership, AD Ports Group and ITC aim to streamline trade processes and improve the efficiency of the transport, maritime, ports, and logistics sectors in the United Arab Emirates, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, and developing nations. They will assess and refine frameworks and policies within these sectors, enhancing border services in line with international best practices.
AD Ports Group and ITC will offer technical assistance to developing and least developed countries (LDCs), particularly in implementing the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) to enable more efficient cross-border trade.
The collaboration aims to make trade more inclusive and supportive of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It will encourage dialogue and consensus-building, with both parties providing advisory support to develop SME-led trade strategies and business solutions.
Additionally, the partnership will promote the role of women traders in trade facilitation through empowerment programs and initiatives.
The agreement includes promoting joint services and solutions and participating in events, conferences, and workshops focused on customs digitalization, trade facilitation, ports, maritime, and logistics. Furthermore, AD Ports Group and ITC will share experiences, networks, and expertise, offering capacity building and training in key trade facilitation and customs excellence areas.
“Our cooperation with ITC in the area of trade facilitation services and solutions will make transactions smoother, enabling us to integrate more small businesses into value chains and improve our overall efficiency. ITC shares our value and stance regarding sustainability and we’re fully confident that by working together we can help each other reach our environmental goals,” stated Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, managing director and Group CEO – AD Ports Group.
