Tribune News Network
Doha
Qatar playing host to more exhibitions and a reinvigorated tourism sector are some of the immediate windfalls the country stand to gain as it joins the ATA Carnet network, according to Qatar Chamber.
Eventually, it will also enhance Qatar's position as a global investment destination and a world trade centre, QC added.
The system essentially allows tax-free and duty-free export and import of goods up to a year. It facilitates and simplifies customs procedures across borders for exporters and importers using one document to complete all customs procedures in the 77 countries that apply the system.
"The most prominent features of the ATA Carnet is that it enables marketing representatives, exhibition participants and businessmen to make advance customs arrangements at a predetermined cost," said director of legal affairs department at QC Abdul Aziz al Kuwari.
It will also let them visit several countries consecutively and use the ATA Carnet for several trips during its one-year validity, he added.
Kuwari was addressing QC's first in a series of introductory seminars on ATA Carnet that will be held on every Tuesday in July to familiarise the stakeholders with the system. Qatar will start to implement the system from August 1.
Earlier, the chamber has called upon all companies to register to attend these seminars and workshops via its website.
Addressing the workshop, Kuwari lauded the close cooperation between Qatar Chamber and the General Authority of Customs to facilitate the implementation of the system in the country.
Kuwari delivered a presentation on the ATA Carnet and its benefits, explaining its definition, legal-related issues as well as its advantages and how to issue the carnet in Qatar.
Expert of Origin Affairs at Qatar Chamber Ihab Rashad reviewed mechanism of issuing the Carnet, its contents and how to meet the procedures for export and re-export.
Customs Consultant at the General Authority of Customs Salah al Sheikh talked about the customs procedures under the ATA Carnet, GAC's rights and responsibilities.
Qatar Chamber is the national guarantor for the application of the ATA Carnet as The Convention On Temporary Admission (Istanbul Convention) required the provision of a national guarantor for the system.
