The local PWC Logisticshas been selected by the government for a 25-year build-operate-transfer (BOT) concession to handle and modernise the country's customs freight clearing system. The contract is expected to be signed by the end of the year.

Under the terms of the landmark agreement, the first of its kind in the Middle East, PWC will work alongside government-employed customs staff to supply a customs infrastructure and handle inspections by deploying its MicroClear web-based software solution system. The concession covers land, sea and air entry points and applies to all non-passenger traffic. PWC will earn revenues by collecting a share of import and export tariffs.

The company has gained experience from a similar project in Pakistan, where it won a customs modernisation contract in April.