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), to advance trade, logistics, and transportation initiatives globally. The MoU was signed on June 28 by Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, and Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director of ITC.

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Under the MoU, AD Ports Group and ITC will deploy a range of solutions to streamline commerce and enhance the efficiency of the UAE’s transport, marine, ports, and logistics sectors, along with those of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and developing nations. The collaboration aims to evaluate and improve frameworks and policies in these areas, aligning them with global best practices and enhancing border services.

A significant aspect of the partnership is the provision of technical support to developing and least developed countries (LDCs), focusing on the implementation of the WTO Commerce Facilitation Agreement (TFA) to enable faster and smoother cross-border trade. The cooperation also aims to make trade more inclusive and accessible for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), fostering dialogue and consensus-building.

AD Ports and ITC will offer advisory support to design SME-led trade strategies and business solutions while promoting the role of women traders through empowerment programs and initiatives. The collaboration will involve the promotion of joint services and solutions, as well as participation in events, conferences, and workshops related to customs digitalization, trade facilitation, ports, maritime, and logistics.

The two entities will also share experiences, networks, capacity-building, and training in key areas of trade facilitation and customs excellence. Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi emphasized the importance of the partnership, stating, “Our cooperation with ITC in trade facilitation services and solutions will streamline transactions, integrate more small businesses into value chains, and enhance our overall efficiency. ITC shares our commitment to sustainability, and together we can achieve our environmental goals.”

Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director of ITC, highlighted the benefits of the partnership, saying, “Through our collaboration with AD Ports Group, we aim to leverage their technology and advanced trade facilitation solutions to boost the competitiveness of SMEs in international trade and create a more efficient, inclusive, and sustainable trading environment.”

In a related development, AD Ports Group signed an MoU with Saif Powertec Ltd. in June to explore potential cooperation on operational projects and projects under development in various ports in Bangladesh.