The total value of export and re-export by Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry members reached Dh268 billion ($73.5 billion) in 2012, Hamad Bu Amim, Director General of Dubai Chamber, said.
The chamber’s annual report shows that the value of exports and re-exports rose 9 per cent from 2011, when it was valued at Dh246 billion.
”Our annual figures show that 2012 was a very successful year as our members achieved unprecedented monthly export figures,” Bu Amin said. “Trade, along with tourism, logistics and financial services, continue to play vital roles as key drivers of the emirate’s economic growth.”
The chamber plans to open three representative offices, in Saudi Arabia, China and India, this year.
“In addition to these offices we are ready to follow this up with two more offices opening in Kurdistan and Ethiopia, and we will be examining the potential of various other promising markets,” he said.
“This particular initiative is directed at improving the competitiveness of Dubai businesses abroad, while enhancing the business environment of the emirate. For this, Dubai Chamber is currently concentrating on enriching its global profile by playing a larger role in international trade and commerce through its association with world trade bodies,” he said.
New companies
Bu Amim said the Dubai Chamber had seen a 20 per cent rise in its annual new membership — from 10,634 in 2011 to 12,733 in 2012 — taking its total membership to over 140,000.
He said that this numbers reflects the favorable business climate and ease of doing business that Dubai provides for companies from across the world.
“Moreover, our increase in members shows that foreign investors have confidence in Dubai.”
Gulf Times
15 January
