New push for Dubai exports to South Asia

During a recent Austrade event, DEDC has targeted various Dubai companies and is encouraging them to export to South Asia, particularly India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh as well as Afghanistan in Middle Asia. I

n 2007, India was Dubai's top export destination and accounted for 42.7% of all of Dubai's exports, whilst Pakistan makes up 3.37% of total exports from Dubai.

"Partnering with Austrade has given DEDC the opportunity to meet with different Dubai companies and support them in exporting to South Asia. This is one of our key target regions and we would like to further boost the non-oil exports we have in this area,"

said Engineer Saed Al Awadi, DEDC Chief Executive Officer.

"South Asia is one of our major markets for jewellery and food industries and we want other products to penetrate this region as well. In 2007, jewellery exports showed a huge increase of 124 per cent over 2006 accounting Dhs11.38bn, while sugar exports posted a 12% increase over 2006 with Dhs1.3bn in 2007," he added.

The Austrade seminar was attended by Dubai-based Australian companies and Australians working in Dubai. Peter Linford, Senior Trade Commissioner (South Asia), Austrade, discussed various export opportunities in South Asia whilst SMEC Middle East presented a case study.

The organisation and supporting of seminars for various industries, including this Austrade event, is one of the DEDC's value-added support services designed to introduce the corporation's objectives as well as assist manufacturers and service providers explore other markets.

The Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) is a statutory agency within the Foreign Affairs and Trade portfolio, established by the Australian Trade Commission Act 1985.

Austrade's mission is to contribute to community wealth by helping more Australians succeed in export and international business through providing advice, market intelligence and support to Australian companies to reduce the time, cost and risk involved in selecting, entering and developing international markets.