Middle East-China trade expected to top US$100 billion by 2010

The Chinese government has targeted US$100 billion in total trade with the Middle East by 2010 -- up from US$51.3 billion in 2005.

According to United Arab Emirates Ambassador to China Mohammed Rashid Al-Bout in Beijing, China's trade with the United Arab Emirates alone grew 31.5 percent in 2006 to US$14.2 billion.

'Dubai is the world's third largest re-export hub after Hong Kong and Singapore,' Global Sources' Chairman and CEO, Merle A. Hinrichs, said. 'In 2005, China supplied 48 percent of all footwear, headwear, umbrellas and artificial flowers that flowed through Dubai's free trade zones.'

Dubai's China imports range from electronics and home products to fashion accessories and children's toys. Dubai Department of Ports and Customs 2005 data shows:

- 17 percent of all Dubai imports came from China in 2005
- Average annual growth rate of imports from China since 1997 was 14 percent
- 37 percent of Dubai's textile imports came from China, while China exported 29 percent of its textiles to Dubai
- 41 percent of Dubai's furniture, toys and sports products came from China

The same source shows Dubai's top consumer product imports from China in 2005 were: fabrics, US$298 million; radios and audio, US$86 million; bags and luggage, US$77 million; footwear, US$72 million; TV, video monitors, US$69 million; toys, US$57 million; men's/boy's clothing, US$54 million; video recording equipment, US$52 million; and kitchen and household, US$48 million.

Hinrichs said: 'Mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan suppliers have jumped at the opportunity to meet buyers face-to-face in Dubai at the China Sourcing Fair. Likewise, Middle East buyers we've spoken with at our Hong Kong shows and our exhibits at China, Europe and US shows are delighted with the opportunity to source from quality China suppliers in the convenience of Dubai.'

China Sourcing Fair: Gifts & Home Products is scheduled for June 11-13, 2007 at the Dubai International Exhibition & Convention Centre.

Products on display will include gifts and premiums; toys; electronic premiums; bags & luggage; health & beauty products; kitchen & household products; home decor; home textiles; ceramics & porcelain; decorative lighting; and, electrical appliances.

Special pavilions for consumer electronics, fashion accessories and baby & children's products will be featured.

The China Sourcing Fairs are an important part of Global Sources' sourcing and product information services, which include Global Sources trade magazines, Global Sources Online and Global Sources Direct.