Dubai trade with Italy up 22% at Dh18b in ’11

Dubai’s trade exchange with Italy grew by 22 per cent to Dh18 billion in 2011 compared to 2010, with the value of the emirate’s imports from Italy and its exports and re-exports to the European country reaching Dh16 billion and Dh2 billion, respectively. This was revealed during a meeting between Ahmed Butti Ahmed, the executive chairman of Ports, Customs and Free Zone and director-general of Dubai Customs, with Giovanni Favilli, consul-general of Italy in Dubai, and an accompanying delegation from the Italy business sector. Ahmed underlined Dubai Customs’ keenness on simplifying customs clearance procedures at entry ports and improving the service offered to different business communities. This is meant to enhance Dubai`s image as an attractive investment destination and boost its commercial and economic relations worldwide. Ahmed commended the advanced level of investment, economic and commercial cooperation between Dubai and Italy, voicing the emirate’s keenness to further bolster these bilateral relations through creating an attractive environment for investment. Trade exchange between Dubai and Italy continued its growth during the first six months of 2012 to reach Dh9.5 billion, a growth rate of nine per cent from the same period last year, with the value of imports, exports and re-exports amounting to Dh8.5 billion and Dh1 billion, respectively. From : Khalij