Dubai direct trade exchange with the world grew by 17.2% during the first seven months of 2010 reaching AED 328 billion as compared to the same period of 2009 with AED 279 billion reaped.
H.E. Ahmed Butti Ahmed, Executive Chairman of Ports, Customs and Free Zones and Dubai Customs Director General stated that the indicators of Dubai trade with the external world, which include exporting, importing and re-exporting, recorded positive and promising rates from January to July 2010.
H.E. said that the statistics issued by Dubai Customs revealed an enormous growth of 38.5% approximating AED 39 billion in the volume of Dubai exports during the first seven months of 2010. This trend reflects the competitiveness and accessibility of local goods in outside markets as well as external trader and consumer trust in Emirati goods which meet high quality international standards.
He also pointed out that Dubai imports grew by 13% in the same period reaching AED 208 billion as opposed to AED 184 billion of the same period last year. This indicates a growing purchase power among residents of the Emirate and the existence of attractive opportunities in the local trade sector; it as well indicates an increase in the demand on consumption goods and products by Dubai residents.
H.E. Ahmed Butti added that the re-exporting activity grew noticeably in the first seven months of the current year amounting to AED 81.4 billion with an increase of 20% in comparison to the same period of last year which witnessed an amount of AED 67.6 billion for re-exports.
H.E. clarified that Dubai’s infrastructure supports export and import operations by offering its services in multiple customs centers and ports which reinforces the vast economic magnetism and investment in Dubai and facilitates smooth entry and exist movements of goods without any obstacle. “Customs processes are flexible and convenient which allows the expansion of fair and legal trade practices and facilitates smooth trade flow of goods and individuals across the borders while maintaining society’s security and health.” he said.
Additionally and based on the issued figures, trade through the Free Zones recorded as well a noticeable growth during the first seven months of 2010 by 24.4% with a total value of AED 181 billion as opposed to the AED 145.4 billion scored in the same period of 2009.
Statistics issued by Dubai Customs about the Free Zones trade activity also showed that Free Zones exports in Dubai rose by 30.2% with a value of AED 79.2 billion as compared to AED 61 billion in the same period of 2009 whereas imports of the Free Zones scored around AED 102 billion as compared to AED 84.6 billion with 20.1 % of increase rate.
H.E. Ahmed Butti added that the growing business of Dubai Free Zones mirrors the rising economic attractiveness in Dubai to local and foreign investors and proves the success of the procedures and incentives set by the authorities involved in managing and operating the Free Zones.
