Trade exchange between Dubai and China grew by 19% in Q1, 2013

Dubai Customs and their counterparts in China have underlined their keenness to strengthen bilateral cooperative relations in all aspects of customs business in such a way that will benefit them in improving customer service delivery standards, promoting business and enhancing trade relations between UAE and China. This came during the visit of a high level delegation from China Customs headed by Mr. Lu Peijun, Vice Minister of the General Administration of China Customs, Deputy Customs Commissioner-General, to Dubai Customs today. Ahmed Butti Ahmed, Executive Chairman of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation and Director-General of Dubai Customs, received the delegation, praising the spheres of economic, trade and investment cooperation between Dubai and the People's Republic of China. "As part of the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai in respect to the importance of promoting these relations, come the importance of the issues that are set to be discussed in appreciation of China as an economic nation in the international arena. On such basis, comes the importance of customs cooperation pertinent to the processes and procedures that play a vital role in trade facilitation," he said. "China is the most prominent partner in trade for Dubai. The trade exchanges between Dubai and China grew by 19% to AED 31 billion during the first quarter of 2013 compared to AED 26 billion in the same period last year," he highlighted. In terms of imports during 2012, China was Dubai's top partner. Imports from China accounted for AED 111 billion with a share of 15% of Dubai's total imports. Emirates' trade volume from China during last year grew by 13% to AED 115 billion, as compared to 2011. At the business session between the Chinese delegation and officials from Dubai Customs, the visitors learned about Dubai Customs' business mechanisms and processes through three presentations, delivered on Mirsal 2, risk engine, and client relations. During their meeting, the visiting delegation reviewed the initiatives launched by Dubai Customs in collaboration with foreign diplomatic entities and consulates, different business communities and groups aiming at enhancing trade exchanges with countries around the world and rendering best customer service delivery standards. At the end of the visit, the Chinese delegation expressed their admiration for Dubai Customs' applicable processes and procedures, customers, foreign and brotherly business group's service delivery standards, in such a manner that provides robust opportunities for more trade and investment exchanges, praising Dubai Customs' role worldwide and success in hosting the recent 2013 WCO IT Conference and Exhibition.