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Forum highlights export opportunities

DUBAI - The third ‘Export Forum’ on Wednesday discussed ways to further boost Dubai’s growing export business.

Speakers at the forum highlighted important issues related to export, encouraging more companies in the private sector to expand and export their products and services outside the UAE.

Among the topics discussed were the new initiatives and projects of Dubai Exports; presentation on the greater Arab Free Trade Zone, bilateral agreements between UAE and other countries; export opportunities to Brazil; Dubai Customs facilities and exports formalities; the ATA Carnet facility, the standard and certification requirements for the national exported products; air cargo facilities & services; export credit insurance services; and the importance of the International Trade statistics & marketing indicators.

The forum was organised by Dubai Exports, an agency of the Department of Economic Development (DED) – Government of Dubai. More than 250 representatives of local and international organisations from the government and private sector and different establishments attended the event titled ‘Towards Globalisation.’ Engineer Saed Al Awadi, Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Exports (EDC), in his opening address said the forum theme refers to the increasing interdependence of world economies and reflects the continuing expansion and mutual integration of market frontiers.

“Quite simply it is an irreversible trend for the economic development of the whole world and therefore the UAE,” he said. Awadi also reflected on the major advances made over the three years since the first forum.

“Together we have created an event that doesn’t just talk about issues, but does something about them, by bringing like minded people together to develop solutions and programmes that enhance the competitiveness of our local companies and overcome everyday problems associated with the export process.

Awadi also announced the planned introduction of new initiatives and specially developed services designed to directly benefit local exports by giving access to the export credit insurance and products certificate accreditation facilities. He also said that the forum will identify export opportunities to specific target markets around the world.

The event comprises a mix of presentations from the Ministries of Economy and Foreign Trade along with organisations such as the International Trade Center, World Bank; ECIE- Export Credit Insurance Company of the Emirates; Emirates SkyCargo; Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce and SGS Gulf Limited.

Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce chief executive officer Michel Alaby said there are expectations that a Free Trade Agreement will be signed with Gulf countries in near future.

Established in 1952, the chamber strongly foster trade, tourism, cultural and trade relation between Brazil and the Arab nations, Alaby told the audience at the forum.

The chamber in Brazil officially recognized by the General Union of Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture for Arab countries, he added.

Friedrich von Kirchbach from International Trade Centre highlighted the importance of international trade statistics for exporters, government and policy makers. Trade statistics help exporters identify markets and diversify their products, Kirchbach said.

Mahdi Al Azim, Director, Membership & Documentation Services at Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry talked about benefits of ATA Carnets and said only the UAE is among participating countries in the ATA Carnet System in entire Gulf region. He mentioned that it covers 70 countries and it helps local business, exporters to compete with foreign traders on equal terms on the world market.

Schuyler D’Souza, Chief Commercial Officer of Export Credit Insurance Company of the Emirates, said the company works with world class investment grade reinsurers and banks to offer innovative trade credit management solutions to UAE-based manufacturers, traders, service organizations.

There has been a 36 per cent increase in Dubai’s direct exports during the first half of 2011 reaching Dh45 billion as compared to Dh33 billion compared to last year’s figures. Direct imports also increased by 21 per cent or Dh214 billion as compared to last year’s Dh177 billion, while total direct re-exports were valued at Dh86 billion versus Dh69 billion in the same period. Total Free Zone exports were valued at around Dh5 billion while total Free Zone re-exports amounted to Dh81 billion in the first half of 2011.

abdulbasit@khaleejtimes.com