Dubai Exports and Egyptian business heads discuss strategies to enhance trade

Dubai Exports , the export promotion agency of the Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai recently hosted a workshop in Alexandria to explore co-operation with the Egyptian chambers of commerce in the field of exports and re-exports as well as in promoting bilateral investment for improved trade exchanges between the UAE, particularly Dubai, and Egypt. The workshop, titled 'Dubai and Egypt - opening business towards global markets' was organised by the Dubai Exports representative office in Egypt.
Chairman of the Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce, heads and members of the chambers of commerce in Damietta, Alexandria, Sohag, Suez, and Cairo as well as representatives of a number of small and medium enterprises from the trade, transport and logistics sectors in Egypt attended the workshop along with members of the Dubai Exports delegation. The workshop was organised in the wake of Dubai Exports opening its office in Egypt in order to promote trade exchange between the two countries.
"As directed by Their Highnesses Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to support economic development in Egypt, we will actively co-ordinate mutual visits by trade delegations and participation in exhibitions to optimise export growth and business between companies in the UAE and Egypt," said Mohammad Ali Al Kamali, Deputy CEO of Dubai Exports.
He added that trade between Dubai and Egypt during the first nine months of 2014 was equivalent to AED 11.3 billion compared to AED 9.3 billion dirhams in the same period of 2013, a growth rate of 21.5%. Imports from Egypt during the first three quarters of 2014 was worth three billion dirhams while exports contributed AED 2.6 billion, and re-exports, AED 5.7 billion.
Al Kamali expressed confidence that upward momentum in bilateral trade will remain in the following years because of growing co-operation between the Egypt and Dubai. "We will focus on promoting exports in key sectors and business exchange between the two countries with the objective of expanding into markets beyond. For Dubai Exports , Egypt definitely will remain a top priority and we will provide the best possible facilities and services to connect bilateral trade with Egypt through our office in Egypt. I am pleased to invite everyone to participate in the UAE-Egypt Trade Forum planned for the 17th of March this year." Referring to Dubai and Egypt as strategic gateways to African markets, Al Kamali said Dubai's status as a business hub will enable the two economies to expand to neighbouring markets and create business-to-business partnerships in various key sectors, notably construction and building materials, retail and services, foods and packaging.
Al Kamali also discussed various points to focus on for improved trade exchanges and the export capabilities of UAE companies in various sectors as well as the need to exchange data and information about companies and buyers on both sides. He also emphasised the keenness of Dubai Exports to opening doors for Egyptian business to UAE companies and receiving trade missions and delegations from Egypt.