DUBAI: Dubai Exports, the export promotion agency of the Department of Economic Development in Dubai, has closed a highly successful year, facilitating Dhs5bn worth of exports through local firms and factories in 2012, as against Dhs3bn in 2011. The networking and matchmaking opportunities as well as support services provided by Dubai Exports to boost exports and re-exports through Dubai also led to 92 deals being concluded in 2012, an increase of 119 per cent over what was accomplished in 2011. The exceptional results achieved in 2012 underlines the strategic focus of Dubai Exports and its growing role in expanding the export profile of local firms in Dubai to add substantial value to the emirate's gross domestic product (GDP). Of the total value of exports that Dubai Exports helped realize, Dhs2.6bn came from Saudi Arabia alone while Morocco stood next with Dhs240m. Packaging material and plastics accounted for 35 per cent of the total exports. Construction material (32%) and food & electrical goods (11%) took the next two spots. During the first half of 2012 over 210 manufacturing and export firms from Dubai and different free zones in the UAE participated in the exhibitions, trade missions and matchmaking forums organized or facilitated by Dubai Exports. Commented Engineer Sa'ed Al Awadi, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Exports, “The year 2012 saw our efforts in promoting exports and re-exports going past various milestones, regionally and internationally. Our success also validates the fact that Dubai has the right export infrastructure, competitiveness level and services to be a leading exporter.” Al Awadi said, “Dubai Exports was also able to help local firms penetrate various markets in 2012 with the knowledge and networking support of Dubai Exports and a diversified product offering. The year saw Dubai Exports opening new business channels for its member firms and 43 per cent of them entering new markets.” “Dubai Exports works to encourage and promote exports by creating an ideal environment that enhances Dubai's position as a trading hub and at the same time enable exporters to leverage the hub status to cover markets near and far. We also provide a range of added-value services including periodic studies on the export environment and potentials,” added Al Awadi. Saudi Arabia (26%) was also the leader in terms of the number of deals concluded in 2012 with Kuwait (10%) and Morocco (4%) standing second and third respectively. Region-wise, the GCC led by contributing 59 per cent of the total value of these deals. Europe accounted for 31 per cent while Asia and Africa contributed five per cent each. Bikyanews.com
