Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC) said it has signed a MoU with Abu Dhabi Terminals (ADT) and several government agencies that will pave the way for the introduction of a new information and documentation system at all its ports.

The MoU, signed on the sidelines of the third edition of the World Ports and Trade Summit 2013 (WPTS), in Abu Dhabi last week was between ADPC; Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA); Abu Dhabi Customs Administration (ADCA); and Abu Dhabi Terminals.

Intended to act as a ”One-stop-shop” for the ports’ service and to integrate and accelerate the flow of trade-related documentation and information, the ‘Ports Community System’ (PCS) acts as a secure, centralisedelectronic systemthat manages the exchange of information between all the relevant parties.

Previously, each company or agency would be responsible for liaising with each other – separately – which amounted to a high number of man-hours allocated to import and export procedures.

Speaking on the deal, Captain Mohamed Al Shamisi, the executive VP of Ports, ADPC, said, "The signing of the MoU demonstrates a multi-party commitment and recognition, from both corporate and government agencies, of the long-term commercial value of making processing and transaction procedures at Abu Dhabi’s ports easier to the end-users."
 
It will provide a great platform and spring-board for co-operation on these matters, not just for the PCS, but other areas where these organisations can continue to improve their competitive edge in the maritime industry, and for the emirate of Abu Dhabi as a whole.

While the various stakeholders behind the introduction of the PCS include ADPC, ADT, and government agencies and ministries, the PCS platform will be of direct and immediate benefit to the likes of freight forwarders,ship owners, shipping agents,ports services, inland carriers and other entities that regularly use the ports.
 
Dr Mariam Hareb Al Yousef, the executive director of Policies and Regulations, ADFCA, said the authority must remain focused on its core efforts and strengthen its procedures, to ensure the safety of food through all stages of the food supply chain.

"This must be done in co-operation with all relevant institutions – from procedures at border crossings, to food produced locally, and all the way to retail outlets," she added.-TradeArabia News Service