Rome:Shaikh Ahmed bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Customs President, met with Roberto Alesse, Director of the Customs and Monopolies Agency of the Italian Republic, to discuss enhancing customs cooperation between Bahrain and Italy. The meeting focused on developing joint coordination mechanisms and exchanging expertise in customs-related fields.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the discussion emphasized expanding cooperation between Gulf and European customs authorities through electronic data exchange and joint risk-management coordination. This collaboration aims to improve efficiency in customs procedures, facilitate trade, and enhance supply chain security.
The meeting also reviewed the progress of the Memorandum of Understanding signed in February 2025 between Bahrain Customs Affairs and the Italian Customs and Monopolies Agency. It included follow-ups on joint initiatives, coordination between technical teams, exchanges of visits, and organizing specialized workshops and training programs.
Both parties assessed the outcomes of reciprocal visits, which have provided valuable insights into best practices and benefited from Italy's experience in customs procedures and institutional development. Discussions also covered preparing a joint action plan for 2027, focusing on cooperation priorities and developing technical and institutional capabilities.
This meeting underscores the commitment of Bahrain and Italy to strengthen customs cooperation and develop their technical partnership, supporting customs system modernization, improving operational efficiency, and facilitating international trade.