7,000 more firms join Dubai chamber in H1

In the first half of 2013, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry recorded solid and consistent growth across all its operations, with its members’ export and re-export activities increasing by 7 percent, compared to the same period in 2012.
The half year figures covering Jan. 1 to June 30, 2013 highlight the continued strong performance of Dubai’s trade sector and the overall positive business environment and confidence of the business community.
According to the figures, Dubai chamber members’ exports and re-exports amounted to AED 145.2 billion between January and June 2013 compared to AED136.2 billion during the same period in 2012.
The monthly total of May 2013 was the highest of the period, reaching AED25.4 billion, while January was the lowest with a value of AED23.5 billion.
During the same period, Dubai chamber issued a total of 418,000 certificates of origin (COs), compared to 372,000 COs in the first half of 2012, equal to a 12.2 percent increase. Again, May was the month with the highest number of certificates issued (74,000), while February was the month with the lowest (63,000).
Between January and June, a total of 7,153 new members joined Dubai chamber, registering a 5.5 percent increase on the same period in 2012 when 6,780 new members joined. This increased the total number of Dubai chamber members to over 145,000 by the end of June.
Hamad Buamim, director general, Dubai chamber, said the strong first half performance was due to recommendations from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE vice-president, prime minister and ruler of Dubai, to stimulate Dubai’s business environment.
Buamim commented that Dubai’s trade sector has achieved record growth, while tourism has consolidated its position as a leading support sector in light of Dubai’s ambitious vision of attracting 20 million visitors by 2020.
Buamim said: "This year Dubai chamber is striving to promote Dubai in international business arenas and we are in the process of signing agreements with a number of global businesses to open their headquarters in Dubai, which we know will boost FDI, strengthen our business climate and enhance the competitiveness of our businesses in overseas markets."
Dubai chamber issued 54 ATA Carnets between January and June 2013, with an invoice value of AED 25.8 million, which is a growth rate of 145 percent, compared to 22 ATA Carnets worth AED12.2 million issued during the same period last year. The upward trend clearly reflects the success of the temporary admission of goods system, which was launched in the UAE in April 2011. ATA Carnet is also helping to enhance Dubai’s position as a leading international destination for exhibitions and conferences.
Dubai chamber’s half year figures also show that during this time the organization received 139 international delegations comprising 503 delegates, including government officials and businessmen, recording an increase of 15 percent compared to the number of visiting delegations recorded in the same period last year.