Dubai: Non-oil trade in the emirate increased by 19 per cent in the first quarter of this year compared to the same period of 2009, according to Dubai Customs data.
Non-oil trade reached Dh136 billion in the first quarter, Ahmad Butti Ahmad, executive chairman of the Ports, Customs and Free Zones Corporation and director general of Dubai Customs, told a "Talk Business at Breakfast" gathering at the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Direct exports
Direct exports totalled Dh15 billion while imports recorded a 10 per cent increase from Dh79.7 billion in the first quarter of 2009 to Dh87.4 billion in the same period of 2010. Re-exports increased by 14.6 per cent to Dh34 billion in the first quarter, Butti Ahmad said.
"Dubai's economy is strong and promising as these recent numbers reflect the real status of the emirate which is witnessing an increased demand for consumer products due to the strong purchasing power and proves that all the negative rumours about Dubai's economy are incorrect," he said.
Boost to cargo
Butti Ahmad said the soon-to-be-opened Al Maktoum International Airport as part of Dubai World Central will directly help increase the volume of air cargo and add to the competitiveness of Dubai businesses.
Hamad Bu Amim, Director-General of the Dubai Chamber, said the Chamber's members increased exports by 18 per cent to Dh17.5 billion in the first quarter.
