Dubai in pact with Germany to boost trade

Dubai's Export Development Corporation (EDC) yesterday said it has signed a trade partnership with the German Industry and Commerce Office Oman/Qatar/UAE (AHK) to help increase trade between Dubai and Germany-based businesses.

The partnership aims for both EDC and AHK to develop and promote trade links between the two economies through the organisation and promotion of joint activities as well as through the sharing of information and the provision of introductions and advice in order to minimise barriers to trade, a statement said.

"There are a number of German companies operating in Dubai and there are an increasing number of Dubai-based companies that we are working with who are already operating in Germany or are considering doing so. This partnership acknowledges the commitment of both EDC and AHK to making positive contributions to the German and UAE economies," said Saad Al Awadi, Chief Executive of EDC.

Germany and the UAE enjoy a long and established history of trade. Dubai's 2007 exports to Germany amounted to Dh188.4 million, a growth of 41 per cent as compared to the 2006 figure of Dh133.3m. In 2007, Dubai imported goods from Germany amounting to Dh18.7 billion, a growth of 25.5 per cent when compared to the 2006 figure of Dh14.9bn.

Dubai's top exports to Germany are stone, cement, ceramic and glass products followed by plastics and rubber products. Machinery, electrical and electronics equipment is the category with the highest value import value from Germany to Dubai, followed by vehicle, aircraft and transport equipment.

The increased co-operation of the two organisations supports EDC's current campaign to make "Made in Dubai" – a stamp of quality that is recognised across the world, the statement said.

EDC's Exporter Facilitation Model works with Dubai-based exporters in the three main areas of export preparation, facilitation and international assistance.