DOHA: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) signed on Monday an MoU with Qatar Chamber to facilitate procedures for the electronic issuance of the Arab certificate of origin.
The MoU was signed by Assistant Undersecretary for Commerce and Industry Affairs Saleh Majed Al Khulaifi and Qatar Chamber Director-General Saleh Hamad Al Sharqi.
Under the MoU, the Chamber is authorised as the issuing and certifying body to put MoCI seals and signatures on the electronically issued Arab certificate of origin.
The Chamber also undertakes the development of a mechanism for issuing the certificate which it provides to the MoCI to implement it through the electronic link between the two parties.
Verification
The provisions of this MoU apply to the Arab certificate of origin only, provided it is verified that the products are of Arab origin and not other foreign products, after making sure all documents are in order.
Al Khulaifi said the MoU represents an important step in consolidating Arab economic integration and supporting intra-regional trade with the countries of the region.
It aims to enhance the competitiveness of national products and support exports through expansion into regional markets. It also allows national companies to take advantage of the commercial opportunities available in markets of Arab countries.
Important role
He pointed out that the electronic issuance of the Arab certificate of origin plays an important role in reducing costs and contributes to shortening procedures related to the registration processes, the application for obtaining the certificate, the delivery of certificates and the verification of goods of origin.
It also contributes to contributing to the reduction of many customs restrictions that would impede the movement of intra-Arab trade.
Al Sharqi said the application of the electronically issued Arab certificates of origin was a proposal put forward by a Qatari delegation during a meeting on certificates of origin at the Arab League five years ago.