Dubai's trade with Lat Am countries grows 26% in 2013

Dubai’s trade has escalated with emerging countries in the Americas, such as Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and Chile, the four countries being toured by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, by 26 per cent from Dh13.8 billion in 2012 to Dh17.3 billion in 2013, the latest figures from Dubai Customs showed on Monday.

Growth of trade with the four nations reflects UAE's success in keeping pace with the economic progress in South America, Dubai Customs said in a press release.

UAE in general and Dubai in particular have attracted traders and investors from these countries as they could easily reach different markets, thanks to the cutting-edge infrastructure for fright and logistics, including advanced ports, free zones, airports and roads, backed by superior customs services and facilities delivered by Dubai Customs which ensures a real added value for their business transactions.

Latest statistics released by Dubai Customs indicate that Dubai’s trade with the four states, combined, soared 26 per cent from Dh13.8 billion in 2012 to Dh17.3 billion in 2013.

Dubai-Mexico trade registered a growth of 56 per cent from Dh5.2 billion in 2012 to Dh8.1 billion in 2013. Imports from Mexico got the bulk of the value with phone devices representing Dh3.8 billion, followed by cargo transport vehicles accounting for Dh1.7 billion.

Likewise, Dubai’s trade with Chile saw a remarkable increase by 34 per cent, taking it to Dh827 million in 2013, compared to Dh615 million the year before. Major imports included milk with a share of Dh126 million, timber Dh118 million and fruits like apple and pear at Dh92 million.

Dubai-Argentina trade also increased by seven per cent in 2013 from Dh995 million in 2012 to Dh1 billion, mainly in grain imports topped by corn at Dh231 million and barley at Dh126 million.

Dubai’s trade with Brazil went up five per cent, amounting to Dh7.3 billion 2013, compared to Dh6.9 billion 2012. Sugar was at the top of imports with a value of Dh2.1 billion, followed by meat at Dh1.3 billion.

Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director of Dubai Customs, said, "In the interest of solidifying Dubai’s trade position globally, we at Dubai Customs are paying utmost attention to putting in place top-notch customs facilitations and services to cater for the needs of traders and investors, in pursuance of the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to stay ahead of  an ever-changing world economy. The fast rise of some of these countries’ economies has made them a vital source for international trade growth that we seek to attract and uphold through fast customs clearance procedures of cargo to enhance bilateral trade exchange and secure business returns that surpass the expectations of merchants trading with or via Dubai."

"Our keenness to promote trade with these emergent markets in the Americas is geared at increasing Dubai’s ability to take full advantage of the growing opportunities offered by these markets, in a bid to enhance the role of foreign trade in supporting Dubai’s economic growth and contribute effectively in diversifying the sources of growth according to Dubai’s strategic plans. Guided by these core goals, we work on nurturing closer ties with foreign business sectors through "Irtibaat" initiative, launched with the aim of reinforcing communication and interaction with foreign companies based in Dubai and involving them in the development of customs operations through the implementation of their suggestions and ideas which they voice in the regular meetings held in the presence of their diplomatic and consular missions as part of this initiative," added Mr. Musabih.

Dubai Customs Director stressed that measures taken by DC to promote trade with these countries will further expand in the near future.  Coordination will be reinforced to enable their business sector to avail of the upgraded customs services and facilitations, ensuring that they enjoy full access to the integrated services package being developed especially for Expo 2020. Dubai Customs is saving no effort to make this world exhibition an unprecedented success for the good of global trade and business community.

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