Dubai's non-oil trade reaches Dh279.2b

Dubai: Non-oil trade values exchange between Dubai and other countries increased by 18 per cent during the first half of the current year, recording more than Dh279.2 billion relatively compared to Dh237.6 billion over the same period of last year 2009.

Ahmad Butti Ahmad, the Executive Chairman of Dubai Ports, Customs and Free Zone, the Director General of Dubai Customs, emphasised that the statistical data issued by Dubai Customs Statistics Department shows positive indicators for recovering trade in the Emirate.

Good business

He noted that trading between Dubai and the other countries around the world kept the pace of the growth during the last five years at 17 per cent which clearly shows that the Emirate is still enjoying good business for all traders and investors.

He highlighted that the total exports to the global markets set a record high by the end of the first half of this year relative to the same period of the last five years.

Exports reached Dh32.8 against Dh23.6 in the same period in 2009.

This suggests a competitive advantage and an ability to enter the global markets.

Total value

He explained that the total value of Dubai imports from the global markets during the first half of the current year, rose to Dh177.4 billions, an increase of 13 per cent from the same period last year with Dh156.5 billion.

This demonstrates growing purchasing power in Dubai and lucrative opportunities for companies seeking to enhance trade activities. He added that: "The re-export operations recorded 20 per cent growth during the first six months of the current year from Dh69 billion."

Re-export pace

"The re-export pace regained its normal tune before the global crunch. This created opportunities in infrastructure, facilities and logistics benefits for Dubai in term of handling cargo and customs centres. This facilitated basics for traders and investors."

He also said that the Export Support Program, the effort made to open new markets, the joint ventures concluded with many countries around the world, the strategic geographical situation and other factors have all together paved the way to Dubai to lead a vital local role for the re-export sectors.