clarification……
In light of what was reported through some media outlets regarding the reactions of some merchants and customs brokers at the Great Welcome Square Customs at Umm Qasr Port in Basra regarding the implementation of the Customs Automation System (ASYCUDA) following the visit of the Minister of Finance, Taif Sami, to Umm Qasr Port yesterday, in this regard, the Ministry confirms Commitment to implementing laws and regulations, including the customs automation project, as it is considered one of the most important axes of economic reform adopted by the government as part of the priorities of its government program, and is considered an important basis and starting point for implementing financial and banking reforms, in accordance with the government’s vision and approach in implementing real trade and combating corruption.
The Ministry also stresses the implementation of all financial obligations to complete the requirements of the first phase, and provide the necessary infrastructure for the success of the project, by organizing technical workshops to introduce this important project, which will support the government’s efforts in developing economic structures according to the foundations of integrity and transparency.
The program for automating border crossings and customs, and linking it to the formations operating within the border crossings, has reached advanced stages, and will contribute to reducing the phenomenon of corruption and wasting public money, as well as maximizing state resources and increasing financial revenues. This program has achieved many financial resources that support Basra Governorate. Based on the governorate law and the state general budget law, which stipulates allocating 50% of these revenues to the governorate and 20% to support border crossings, in addition to that, implementing the system will work to achieve financial discipline, reduce errors, and efficiency and effectiveness in the use of government resources. .
It is worth noting that this program has previously been implemented at Baghdad International Airport/air cargo customs without any significant violation, and that steps are accelerating to implement it in all regions, customs centers and other departments.
In addition, the Customs Automation and Modernization System (ASYCUDA) is a system used in more than 100 countries, which came after the signing of a partnership contract by the Ministry of Finance with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in 2021, where an international team was sent. A specialist from UNCTAD supervises the implementation of the program in cooperation with a work team from the Iraqi Customs. Preparing the requirements for its implementation has begun, and the employees have been trained to work on its management and gain experience from the international team, in addition to enrolling them in training workshops inside and outside Iraq.
Ministry of Finance
Media and government communication
March 4, 2024
