Dubai Exports positions for greater coverage of India with formal opening of Mumbai office

Dubai Exports (DE), the export promotion agency of the Department of Economic Development (DED), Government of Dubai, formally opened its overseas office in Mumbai, the business hub of India, as part of enhancing its overseas support in key markets capable of reinforcing Dubai’s position as an export and re-export centre. 

The Dubai Exports office in India will significantly enhance the visibility of goods and services from Dubai and provide vital on-the-ground services to small and medium size firms in their pursuit of overseas markets. The new office will work in co-ordination with the representative office of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) in Mumbai. 

“India is the leading trade partner of Dubai and our total bilateral trade during the first nine months of 2013 was worth over AED 111 billion. Dubai Exports opening its office in Mumbai is a milestone by all means as it marks a consolidated move by government agencies to optimise opportunities in a strategic market,” commented His Excellency Sami Al Qamzi, Director General of DED. 

“Dubai Exports being present in India will reinforce Dubai’s position as an export and re-export hub for Indian companies and we anticipate a five to 10 per cent growth in bilateral trade as a direct result of the office. It will also underline the significance of the Dubai Overseas Promotion Policy, which seeks co-ordinated efforts by Dubai Government entities in foreign markets,” Al Qamzi said. 

His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of DTCM, commented: “India is an important market for DTCM, being consistently one of our top 10 source markets for visitors to Dubai, with latest figures positioning it as second. The 14 per cent year on year growth in visitor numbers for the first three quarters of 2013 demonstrates the high growth potential which will come from both leisure and business travellers. 

“Our DTCM India office is one of 20 we operate in overseas markets. These offices are vital in spreading the message of Dubai around the world and act as global ambassadors for the emirate. Last year we conducted several roadshows in India, participated in a range of events and operated specific campaigns to ensure that Dubai is consistently positioned as a destination of choice. The partnership with Dubai Exports will further deepen Dubai’s relationship with India’s tourism and trade industries and is a demonstration of the unified efforts of Dubai entities in promoting the emirate.” 

Dubai Exports also received extensive support from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (Jafza), DP World, and Emirates SkyCargo in establishing its presence in Mumbai. 

“We fully support assisting the business community in coming to Dubai from around the globe. We applaud the initiative by Dubai Exports in India and we support them in encouraging the business community from key overseas markets to use Dubai as their trade hub,” commented Major-General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs-Dubai. 

“Dubai has the right infrastructure and diversity of businesses as well as both government and government-related entities well-versed in promoting its trade capabilities globally. Indian firms being key players in Dubai’s export and re-export sector our joint presence in Mumbai is a major step forward. It will enable Dubai companies to extend their growing export capabilities to the fast-growing South Asian markets,” said Engineer Saad Al Awadi, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Exports. 

In 2012, goods worth over AED 32 billion were exported to India from Dubai while re-exports crossed AED 50 billion. Exports and re-exports to India recorded during the first nine months of 2013 were valued at AED 24 billion and AED 31 billion respectively. Pearls, precious metals and stones, copper, iron and steel, plastics and aluminium are some of the top commodities exported to India through Dubai.  

Ibrahim Mohammed Al Janahi, Deputy CEO and Chief Commercial Officer Jafza said: “Dubai Exports plays a vital role in enhancing Dubai’s trade with the world. The timely move by Dubai Exports in opening an office in India, our largest trading partner, would undoubtedly enhance this role, and provide the much-needed support to local firms looking to expand their reach. 

“As the largest business enabler in the country, Jafza is continuously working with local trade partners to help Dubai-based companies expand their international presence. We welcome this move, and assure Dubai Exports of our full cooperation in its efforts to make the Dubai brand a mark of excellence throughout the world,” added Al Janahi. 

“We welcome the establishment of a Dubai Exports development office in Mumbai, which will play a critical role in supporting and facilitating further growth in trade between India and Dubai. India is a very important market for Emirates SkyCargo, which we currently serve with 187 flights per week, including two freighter flights, to 10 destinations in the country,” said Nabil Sultan, Emirates Senior Divisional Vice President, Cargo.  

“With this amount of flights, we are able to carry more than 6500 tonnes of cargo per week between India and Dubai, and onto various points across Emirates extensive worldwide network spanning six continents,” he added. 

Dubai Exports also organised a networking event and a two-day exhibition as part of opening its office in Mumbai. Senior officials from Dubai Exports and its supporting entities were present at the events, connecting with traders from across India.