Forum to explore ways of boosting UAE exports

Dubai" The first Exporters Forum will convene heads of Dubai Government agencies together with local traders, exporters and federal and government employees with the aim of boosting the country's exports.

The forum will be held on November 9 at the Raffles Hotel Dubai in Wafi City.

In 2008 the UAE's non-oil exports rose to Dh60.36 billion, an increase of 66.5 per cent over the figure of Dh36.26 billion recorded in 2007, according to the UAE Ministry of Economy.

According to Dubai Trade (Dubai World), total direct exports from Dubai in 2008 amounted to Dh42.64 billion, an increase of 57.5 per cent over 2007.

Meanwhile, in 2008 India was Dubai's top destination for its direct exports at Dh17.36 billion. Switzerland was in second place with Dh2.71 billion followed by Egypt with Dh1.77 billion.

The forum is being organised by the Dubai Export Development Corporation (EDC), and will bring together a distinguished line-up of keynote speakers from the Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Foreign Trade, Dubai Customs, Dubai Municipality, Dubai Trade (Dubai World), Dubai Airport Free Zone, Intertek and the Export Credit Insurance Company of the Emirates (ECIE).

The forum will provide practical knowledge to manufacturing and exporting companies in all sectors. It is expected to bring together more than 200 companies.