Dubai Exports to host Exporters’ Forum to highlight strategic markets and opportunities

Dubai Exports, the export promotion agency of the Department of Economic Development (DED) - Dubai, will host an ‘Exporters’ Forum’ on 28 November 2012 to bring together members, service providers and government officials to discuss challenges, opportunities and exemplary practices in the exports and re-exports sector.

The forum is part of the multi-disciplinary approach Dubai Export’s has adopted in enhancing export related knowledge and capabilities of local companies, thus enabling them to play a greater role in overall economic development in Dubai.

Business leaders in the logistics and trading sectors as well as customs and export officials will attend the forum and share their perspective on key export markets and the best strategies for UAE companies to access such markets. His Excellency Sami Al Qamzi, Director-General, Department of Economic Development, will deliver the opening address.

The forum will specially focus on GCC and Africa in view of the strategic advantages for UAE exporters in these markets. Together, GCC and Africa accounted for 92 per cent of the export transactions achieved through Dubai Exports during the first six months of 2012.

“Dubai Exports has been helping local companies to link to major markets overseas and make a competitive offering of diverse goods and services. The Exporters’ Forum will be a significant learning platform for local firms that have built critical export capabilities on Dubai’s strengths as a business hub,” said Engineer Saad Al Awadi, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Exports.

Dubai Exports has a portfolio of services offered to exporters and re-exporters in Dubai broadly categorised as Exporter Development, Export Promotion (through Exhibitions and Missions), Provision of Market intelligence and Business Matchmaking.

Al Awadi said Dubai Exports assisted 600 UAE companies to qualify as exporters during 2008-2011. Over 200 companies have already participated in trade missions and events organised by Dubai Exports during the first half of 2012.

“We have also identified strategic markets across GCC, Africa, Asia, Europe, Australia and the Americas to support our members as well as local exporters and re-exporters make informed decisions and establish their presence in these markets,” added Al Awadi.

Speakers at the forum include Ahmed Mohammed Al Baker (UAE Federal Customs Authority), Ahmed Mahboob (Dubai Customs), Jon Joseph (Economic Intelligence Unit, London), Andrew Piazza (CENTRX Supply Chain Knowledge Venture), Virendra Sehgal (BDP International Inc.) and Husny Saeed (Intertek International Ltd).

B2B meetings between local exporters and various international companies participating in the event will be a major highlight of the Exporters’ Forum. Member firms in Dubai Exports that have grown into major exporters by making the best use of Dubai’s advantages as a business hub will also share their success stories at the forum.