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Dubai Exports set for active participation

Dubai Exports, the export promotion agency of the Department of Economic Development, or DED, is keen to connect trade and promote awareness on strategic markets at Gulfood 2014.

Rising demand and economic development in Dubai has helped local food trade to strike a healthy balance between imports, exports and re-exports in addition to successfully targeting new export markets, according to the latest data compiled by Dubai Exports.

Dubai Exports will share its findings along with a “Dubai Food Sector Capability Snapshot” report at the five-day region’s premier food trade event. The report lists the major foods exported through Dubai and export markets offering the greatest potential for the local food trade. Along with the report, the establishment will organise a series of activities like the Export Clinic and Buyers Majlis.

Dubai’s total foreign trade in food products during the first nine months of 2013 rose to Dh46 billion from Dh43 billion in the same period in 2012, with imports increasing to Dh31 billion to Dh32 billion. While exports and re-exports also rose from Dh12 billion to Dh14 million between the corresponding periods, the value of exports facilitated by Dubai Exports saw a 114 per cent rise from Dh605 million to Dh1.3 billion.

“Our efforts in evaluating opportunities and focusing on core markets have seen four new exporters in Dubai penetrating Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Brazil and India this year. The Dubai Exports offices in Saudi Arabia and India have been instrumental in connecting Dubai trade to the respective markets and 82 per cent of the new export deals concluded last year were with Saudi Arabia,” said Eng Saad Al Awadi, chief executive officer of Dubai Exports.

Dubai Exports was also able to help a number of intermediate exporters from the foods sector to successfully target countries such as Qatar, India, Libya, Uganda, Mozambique, Tanzania and Yemen. The estimated total transaction value of these intermediate exporters during 2013 was Dh155 million, with Yemen alone accounting for 40 per cent of the total.

“More and more food importers are realising the benefits of competitive source markets like Dubai. In addition to world-class logistics and hassle-free processes Dubai now has a growing number of foods produced or processed locally. Traders in Dubai are also keen to leverage their local advantage for competing in export markets overseas,” said Al Awadi.

The “Dubai Exports Food Sector Capability Snapshot” shows that edible oils and fats, dried processed foods, sugar and confectionery and pasta are the lead items exported or re-exported through Dubai.

The Asia-Pacific, Middle East, Africa and Western Europe are the major importers of food products from Dubai, according to the Dubai Exports study.

— abdulbasit@khaleejtimes.com