Abu Dhabi Ports Company signs MoU with ADFCA
Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA) under which ADFCA will oversee and facilitate the inspection process of food items that pass through Khalifa Port, the first semi-automated port in the region.
The memorandum includes a number of regulations which will allow ADPC to facilitate the screening of food items and the delivery of international standards of services to its partners and companies who will be operating through Khalifa Port’s first phase leading up to the completion of the whole project that is in line with ADFCA’s mission to ensure the delivery of safe food items to the public.
The food authority will be providing all of the necessary procedures to ensure a seamless passage of food goods that are in accordance with the highest world safety standards. ADFCA will also support customs officers to help them perform their duties efficiently and effectively. Customers of both ADPC and ADFCA will enjoy a variety of world-class services and facilities that match Khalifa Port’s world-class ambitions.
Commenting on the occasion, Captain Mohamed Al Shamisi, Executive Vice President of Ports Unit at ADPC, said:
“We are delighted to be formalising our agreement with ADFCA which resembles our government’s vision in continuing to seek high-standard food safety regulations to protect all nationals and residents in the UAE. ADPC is committed to undertake all procedures necessary to work closely with ADFCA in the aim of performing all duties in the best way possible.”
H.E. Dr. Mariam Hareb Sultan Al- Yousuf, Executive Director of Policy and Regulations Sector at ADFCA, added: “We at ADFCA work continuously to ensure delivery of healthy and safe food to all residents in Abu Dhabi. Signing this memorandum with ADPC is considered a major step towards ensuring the safety of food products received through Khalifa Port and it furthers the principle of mutual cooperation pursued by the authority with all strategic partners.”
She added: “We hope that this agreement reflects positively on both parties. It is crucial that all concerned institutions cooperate to develop an integrated and harmonized management system in the field of food control and inspection to comply with the obligations under the World Trade Organisation agreement and other relevant conventions.”
Khalifa Port, scheduled to open in Sept. 2012, will be the first semi-automated port in the region with the initial capacity to handle 2.5 million TEUs and 12 million tons of cargo annually. Following its completion, it will be connected to Etihad Rail and will offer freight opportunities that are unique to the region.