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Morocco World
19-06-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco, US Sign New Container Security Initiative Agreement
Marrakech – Morocco and the United States took a further step forward in their customs cooperation with the signing of a new bilateral Container Security Initiative (CSI) arrangement in Rabat on Tuesday. The agreement aims to enhance cargo security and facilitate the high volume of trade between the two countries. 'Today's signing marks not just the expansion of the CSI program, but the strengthening of a partnership rooted in trust, innovation, and a shared responsibility to protect our global community,' said Donald Conroy, Executive Director of the Office of Field Operations International Operations and Advisory Directorate at US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) during the event. The CSI arrangement will expand law enforcement efforts between Washington and Rabat, enhancing targeting and information sharing to identify and counter customs violations and other threats in the cargo environment. The agreement covers the vital ports of Casablanca and Tanger Med, with Casablanca being a crucial commercial hub and Tanger Med being the largest port in Africa and the Mediterranean Sea. The signing ceremony was also attended by Abdellatif Amrani, General Director of the Customs and Excise Administration in Morocco and Aimee Cutrona, US Chargé d'Affaires in Rabat. Senior officials from Morocco Customs (ADII), CBP, and the US Embassy were also present. Amrani stressed Morocco's commitment to balancing security and trade facilitation, stating, 'With this accession, we reaffirm our commitment to harmonizing security with the seamless flow of trade, thereby consolidating Tanger Med's standing as a secure, world-class maritime hub.' The CSI program, launched in 2002 following the 9/11 attacks, is a proactive and strategic security initiative that aims to identify and inspect high-risk maritime cargo containers at foreign ports before they are shipped to the United States. The program partners with foreign customs administrations and other agencies to pre-screen, evaluate, and target potential threats using advanced technology, intelligence, and shared protocols. The new accord is based on the 2013 Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement between the two sides of the Atlantic, which provides the legal framework for the exchange of information and evidence to assist in the enforcement, prevention, detection, and investigation of customs offenses. With this new agreement, Tanger Med joins a network of CSI-certified Mediterranean ports, including Algeciras (Spain), Marseille (France), and Gioia Tauro (Italy). Chargé d'Affaires Cutrona shed light on the significance of the agreement, stating, 'Today's signing of the new Container Security Initiative arrangement between the United States and the Kingdom of Morocco marks a significant milestone in our enduring partnership.' 'This agreement not only strengthens our collaborative efforts to secure global supply chains but also underscores our shared commitment to innovation, security, and economic prosperity,' she added. With the extension of the CSI network, the Moroccan and US customs administrations are reinforcing their efforts in targeting and predictive analysis of high-risk cargo before shipment, contributing to the effective fight against threats and ensuring the protection of consumers and citizens of both nations. Read also: Morocco's El Jadida to Host First International Port Ecosystem Salon in 2026 Tags: cargo handling MoroccoMorocco US Relations
Ya Biladi
30-05-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Morocco's customs authority launches AI-driven risk analysis project
The Customs and Indirect Tax Administration (ADII) recently announced the launch of a project, in partnership with the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), aimed at integrating artificial intelligence (AI) technologies into customs risk analysis and management processes. Aligned with ADII's strategic plan through 2028, this initiative focuses on targeting and predictive analysis as part of an advanced digitalization effort to enhance customs control efficiency and facilitate lawful trade, according to an official statement. At the project's launch ceremony, presided over by ADII Director General Abdellatif Amrani, participants discussed key strategic issues related to the use of big data, AI, and machine learning in customs risk management. They also reviewed ongoing digital transformation projects led by ADII and explored how these efforts will be consolidated within the new initiative. In this context, a first technical mission led by international experts accredited by the WCO took place at ADII headquarters from May 19 to 23. This mission assessed current progress in automated data processing and risk targeting, laying the groundwork for a structured action plan to guide the project's next phases. The ADII welcomed this trilateral cooperation, viewing it as recognition of its commitment to building an intelligent, proactive, and forward-looking customs system, the statement emphasized. The launch event was notably attended by the Swiss Ambassador to Morocco, Valentin Zellweger, along with senior officials from the WCO and ADII.
