The Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Kingdom have signed a customs cooperation agreement to strengthen bilateral customs collaboration, facilitate legitimate trade, enhance supply chain security, and improve customs operations.
The agreement was signed by Shaikh Ahmed bin Hamad Al Khalifa, President of Customs of Bahrain, and Megan Shaw, Head of International Customs and Borders at HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) on the sidelines of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council meetings held in Brussels, Belgium.
Shaikh Ahmed bin Hamad Al Khalifa said that the agreement reflects the longstanding and strong historical relationship between Bahrain and the United Kingdom.
Al Khalifa noted that the partnership will contribute to facilitating the movement of legitimate goods across borders, enhancing supply chain security, and supporting sustainable economic growth in both nations.
Shaikh Ahmed highlighted that Bahrain’s continued efforts to strengthen cooperation with regional and international partners, as well as specialized international organizations, as part of the Kingdom’s strategy to adopt global best practices and further develop its national customs system.
The agreement supports the implementation of existing cooperation frameworks between Bahrain Customs and HM Revenue and Customs while expanding the exchange of expertise, technical knowledge, and international best practices in customs administration.
The enhanced collaboration facilitates institutional performance and increases the efficiency of customs operations in both countries.
In addition, the agreement establishes mechanisms for regular communication and the exchange of information and views on customs legislation, regulatory developments, and implementation practices. These measures aim to support common objectives and enhance coordination on customs-related matters.
As part of the joint declaration, both sides also agreed to establish a joint technical committee comprising representatives from Bahrain and the United Kingdom.
The committee will oversee the implementation of customs cooperation initiatives, coordinate joint programs and activities, and organize study visits and professional exchanges to facilitate knowledge sharing in areas of mutual interest.
