Xiamen Customs in East China's Fujian province is working to implement an authorized economic operator (AEO) mutual recognition cooperation agreement recently signed by China Customs and the Federal Customs Authority of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The UAE is the first country in the Middle East to sign an AEO mutual recognition agreement with China.

Under the agreement, products from companies that obtain AEO status in the two countries will enjoy simplified customs procedures, including reduced examination and prioritized clearance.

Xiamen Customs will enhance customs clearance facilitation for AEO companies and help local enterprises expand into the global market.

Data from Xiamen Customs show that in the first half of this year, Xiamen's imports and exports to the UAE increased rapidly, reaching 5.18 billion yuan ($753.36 million) in total, up 26.9 percent year-on-year.