Doha, April 23 (QNA) - The General Authority of Customs and Qatar Aviation Services Thursday signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance cooperation in the field of general customs clearance for personal imports, aiming to improve service quality, simplify procedures, expedite transactions, and enhance the efficiency of logistics operations related to shipping and customs clearance.

The agreement was signed by the Authority's Assistant President for Customs Ports Affairs Ahmed Youssef Al Sahl, and Head of Air Cargo at Qatar Aviation Services Mark Anthony Drusch.

In a statement, the General Authority of Customs said the MoU stipulates cooperation between the two sides in carrying out customs clearance procedures for personal imports arriving via air freight, contributing to faster release processes, improved service efficiency, and simplified shipping and clearance operations.

On this occasion, Al Sahl reaffirmed the Authority's commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships with relevant entities to develop the customs clearance system and achieve the highest levels of efficiency and speed in processing transactions, particularly for personal imports.

He highlighted ongoing efforts over recent years to develop advanced electronic services for all sectors in the country, reflecting the Authority's role as a key economic pillar supporting the national economy, facilitating international trade, and enhancing the investment environment through streamlined procedures.

For his part, Anthony emphasized that the MoU reflects both parties' recognition of the need to cooperate in accelerating customs clearance processes for personal imports, as well as enhancing integration between stakeholders in the shipping and logistics sector, which will positively impact service quality for customers.

The MoU outlines areas of cooperation, including Qatar Aviation Services' commitment to executing customs clearance operations in accordance with approved regulations, ensuring non-monopolization and fair competition, and maintaining transparency in service pricing, in addition to exchanging relevant information and data through electronic systems and complying with all customs laws and regulations.

Joint coordination will be carried out to monitor the implementation of customs clearance procedures for personal imports, periodically evaluate performance levels, and submit relevant reports to support decision-making and improve service quality. (QNA)