Abu Dhabi's non-oil commerce up 28.4% to Dh46.64b in first half

Abu Dhabi: The value of Abu Dhabi's non-hydrocarbon external trade in the first half of 2008 totalled Dh46.64 billion, increasing by 28.4 per cent compared with Dh36.33 billion in the same period last year, according to the emirate's customs administration.

Total imports amounted to Dh40.14 billion by the end of June, compared to Dh30.68 billion last year, while non-hydrocarbon exports increased to Dh3.34 billion from Dh2.71 billion.

Re-exports also increased to Dh3.15 billion from Dh2.93 billion during the same period in 2007.

Saeed Ahmad Al Muhairi, deputy director of the customs administration, said: "The increase reflects the growing openness of the economy. The potential for growth is limitless owing to the development of the necessary infrastructure."

Saudi Arabia, Japan and the US were the top three exporters to the emirate in the first-half of 2008 while Saudi Arabia, Qatar and China were the top three destinations for Abu Dhabi's non-oil exports.

The top re-exports destinations were Qatar, Oman and India.

The department also announced that 58 per cent of imports were through sea ports while 30 per cent merchandise passed land borders and 12 per cent were through air freight.