Economic Update – Baghdad
The Border Ports Authority has today outlined its strategy for implementing electronic governance aimed at controlling the influx of smuggled goods. This initiative features the deployment of electronic programs designed to audit the entry of goods and prevent smuggling operations.
Omar Al-Waeli, the head of the Border Ports Authority, stated, “Our operations focus on three core methods, which are continuously refined by our staff. Our teams maintain a presence around the clock to monitor the incoming goods. This includes analyzing the latest sonar imagery and integrating data with various departments at the border ports, which encompasses verifying certificates of origin and invoices, as well as results from pre-examination devices that measure specific controls.”
He elaborated, “The third component involves activating a complaints hotline for reporting indicators of corruption and extortion. This section is directly overseen by the Prime Minister’s office. It has two main functions: to combat corruption and track business progress, as well as to address citizens’ needs and requests to enhance service provision and resolve issues at the border ports.”
On the types of goods commonly targeted by smugglers at border ports, Al-Waeli noted, “Smugglers often attempt to conceal goods that differ from permitted items to facilitate the passage of banned materials. Specifically, high-value items such as mobile devices and goods protected by tariffs, including chicken products, are frequently involved in such activities.”
He continued, “Our monitoring systems are robust, focusing particularly on expensive and prohibited materials that smugglers attempt to hide within legal imports. One prevalent type of smuggling involves concealing narcotics, which necessitate approvals from the Ministry of Health. These substances are often disguised to enable their passage. However, the Ports Authority has maintained proactive measures and inspections in this area.”
Al-Waeli emphasized, “Smugglers often employ tactics such as placing contraband at both the front and rear of trucks or containers, juxtaposed with legal imports. Our analysis of sonar imagery and automated systems allows the Ports Authority to detect such illicit activities. In addition, smugglers might alter the documentation associated with their goods, categorizing high-fee electric materials under less expensive items to facilitate passage.”
He concluded, “We actively observe these practices and have taken significant punitive actions against employees involved in these illegal facilitation schemes. Numerous staff members and officers have faced disciplinary reviews as we establish committees and investigative councils to scrutinize these violations, which threaten the integrity of the Iraqi economy.”
Furthermore, Al-Waeli outlined that “the Border Ports Authority, adhering to government directives from the Prime Minister, is advancing towards full electronic governance. We have established electronic auditing programs, which include the pre-examination program, import licenses program, and exemptions for specific goods, alongside audits of invoices and origin verification. The authority also conducts thorough examinations in cooperation with inspection companies, implementing measurement controls and leveraging a network that connects to sonar systems, ensuring comprehensive analysis of goods arriving in the country. This electronic synergy facilitates timely identification of violating materials through enhanced coordination and information exchange.”
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