Dubai Chamber increases membership, sets global record in issuance of Certificates of Origin

Dubai: Amid the global financial crunch, the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry notched up a 42 per cent rise in export and re-export figures.

The total value of goods exported and re-exported from Dubai rose to Dh240 billion in 2008, while the Chamber witnessed a 14 per cent increase in membership.

There was also a recorded 11 per cent rise in values of Certificates of Origin issued to the exporters, which makes it the chamber with the largest number of COs issued according to the World Chambers Federation.

The Chamber's membership increased to 121,175 in 2008 from 108,573 in the previous year, while the number of COs reached 624,066 from 559,652 in 2007.

"These figures also represent the Dubai business community's resolve to face the onslaught of the global financial crisis and show optimism and the determination to work towards economic development of the emirate," said Hamad Buamim, Dubai Chamber Director General.