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Saudi Arabia Boosts Efficiency of Customs Clearances

Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) officials at the event launching initiative for 2-hour Saudi customs clearances (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) officials at the event launching initiative for 2-hour Saudi customs clearances (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia Boosts Efficiency of Customs Clearances

Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) officials at the event launching initiative for 2-hour Saudi customs clearances (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) officials at the event launching initiative for 2-hour Saudi customs clearances (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Arabia has reduced its customs clearance period from 12 days to 2 hours in a move aimed at increasing the efficiency of customs processes in all the Kingdom’s land, sea and air ports.

The Kingdom, according to a new initiative by the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) will target a two-hour customs clearance time at all land, sea and air ports.

The governor of ZATCA, Suhail Abanmi, said that the scheme comes “after the completion of a phase of continuous cooperation and coordination between the customs clearance system.”

“To reach this target is a key possibility for the Kingdom to become a global logistics platform,” added Abanmi.

Speaking at ZATCA’s celebration of World Customs Day, which was marked in Riyadh on Sunday, Abanmi stressed that the newly announced initiative aims to improve customs operations, performance and productivity indicators, strengthen the logistics sector and support the Kingdom’s position in the growth of the world economy.

Abanmi stressed the authority’s commitment to deepen cooperation with local and international bodies, both public and private, in a way that serves the initiative and contributes to enhancing the efficiency of customs services.

He said that the exchange of knowledge between the authority and its customs counterparts was “a top priority.”

“The authority, through its academy, continuously strives to consolidate the importance of building knowledge and skills and developing the potential of its employees through specialized programs in all areas of customs work,” said Abanmi.

“Human capital is the foundation of creativity, innovation and excellence. It is possible to achieve the authority’s strategy, which aims to build an effective working system,” he stressed.

Nashmi Al-Harbi, a logistics expert, said that a higher level of success can be achieved by saving time.

Harbi stressed that Saudi Arabia is proactive in seeking to facilitate and accelerate procedures to achieve the national strategy for transport and logistics services.

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French MP: We Look Forward to Sustainable Cooperation with Saudi Arabia under Vision 2030

French MP Amélia Lakrafi. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
French MP Amélia Lakrafi. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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French MP: We Look Forward to Sustainable Cooperation with Saudi Arabia under Vision 2030

French MP Amélia Lakrafi. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
French MP Amélia Lakrafi. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

As Saudi Arabia undergoes economic and social changes under its Vision 2030, attention is turning to strengthening strategic partnerships with France in areas such as innovation, technology and cybersecurity.

Amélia Lakrafi, a French member of parliament and representative for French nationals abroad, stressed the importance of Vision 2030 as a platform for long-term cooperation between the two nations.

Vision 2030 presents unique opportunities to boost economic ties between France and Saudi Arabia, she stressed.

She emphasized the need to support innovation and technology as key areas of collaboration.

To advance this partnership, she suggested empowering French-Saudi business councils and holding regular meetings for companies and experts to discuss legal and tax issues, such as setting up companies without a local partner.

She also proposed creating a unified platform to streamline information access for businesses and coordinate with entities like embassies and the “Business France” agency.

France should highlight the investment opportunities it offers to Saudi investors, ensuring quick and clear solutions to legal and procedural challenges, Lakrafi went on to say.

Innovation and AI

Innovation and technology are vital for future cooperation. Lakrafi noted that artificial intelligence (AI) and renewable energy are key areas for collaboration.

She explained that AI is a strategic priority for both France and Saudi Arabia, and French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent visit to Riyadh highlighted its potential.

Paris will host a global AI event in February, with Saudi Arabia as a partner guest, said the MP.

The event will help strengthen partnerships between institutions and businesses from both countries. She proposed creating competitive hubs in Saudi Arabia, similar to those in France, to bring together large companies, startups and researchers.

Boosting capital

Lakrafi stressed the importance of intangible capital, which includes branding, reputation and internal processes, for improving competitiveness.

“Intangible capital represents about 60% of a company's value,” she said. “Companies should invest in securing these assets, through trademark registration, enhanced cybersecurity, or better internal management.”

She called for the development of tools to measure intangible capital, which could help businesses build trust and attract investors and customers.

Cybersecurity

Given the rise in global cyber threats, Lakrafi called for stronger cooperation between France and Saudi Arabia in cybersecurity.

She underscored France’s expertise through institutions like the National Agency for the Security of Information Systems.

This collaboration could help Saudi Arabia develop shared cybersecurity standards, including rules to secure companies receiving government funding. She also warned that 80% of companies hit by major cyberattacks close within three years.

Lakrafi concluded by stressing that the cooperation between France and Saudi Arabia extends beyond economic ties, focusing on building cultural and social connections that support shared goals.

“Our relationship with Saudi Arabia goes beyond economics. We are building new links every day, whether between leaders, lawmakers, or citizens. I see a bright future for this partnership that will strengthen both countries’ global standing,” she remarked.