Non-oil trade between Dubai and outside world went up by 18 per cent during the first half of the current year, reaching more than Dh279.2 billion compared to Dh237.6bn over the same period of last year.
Ahmed Butti Ahmed, Executive Chairman of Dubai Ports, Customs and Free Zone, and the Director-General of Dubai Customs, emphasised that the statistical data issued by Dubai Customs Statistics Department has showed positive indications for the recovering trade in the emirate, noting that the trade exchange between Dubai and the other countries around the world grew at an average estimated rate of 17 per cent in the past five years.
He highlighted that the total Dubai direct exports to global markets set a record by the end of the first half of this year compared to the same period of the past five years, reaching Dh32.8bn against Dh23.6bn in the same period of the past year.
He explained that the total value of Dubai imports during the first half of the current year rose to Dh177.4bn – up by 13 per cent in the same period of the last year with Dh156.5bn, which indicates availability of a growing power of purchase in Dubai and lucrative opportunities for many companies seeking to enhance base of trades activities in the UAE markets or through the neighbouring markets.
He added that re-exports have increased by 20 per cent in the first six months of the current year – at Dh69bn against Dh57.5bn during the same period of the past year.
He also said that the export support programme, the effort made for opening new markets, joint ventures concluded with many countries around the world, the strategic geographical situation and other factors have all together paved the way for Dubai to lead a vital role in this sector.