Abu Dhabi foreign trade rises 9% to AED112 Bn

• Imports grow to AED 93.872 million; an increase of 4%
• Non–oil exports reach AED 9,505 million; an increase of 52%
• Re–exports cross AED 8,694 million; an increase of 39.3%

Abu Dhabi’s foreign trade rose to AED 112.071 billion in 2009, an increase of 9% as compared to 2008 as per annual statistics of foreign trade operations announced by HE Saeed Ahmed Abdullah Al Muhairi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Customs today.

HE Al Muhairi pointed out that Abu Dhabi’s volume of foreign trade grew despite global economic challenges and said, “One of the key figures of 2009 customs statistics is the growth in non–oil exports that climbed to AED 9,505 million, an increase of 52% compared to AED 6,253 million in 2008. Imports also grew to AED 93.872 million compared to AED 90,284 million in 2008, an increase of 4%.”

According to Abu Dhabi Customs statistics, the volume of re–export trade in 2009 jumped by 39.3% over 2008 figures to reach AED 8,694 million. The report also revealed the growing role of seaports in Abu Dhabi imports – 62% of imports come in through seaports, 27% through land and 12% through airports.

HE Al Muhairi added, “These statistics reflect trade growth witnessed in Abu Dhabi, a leading trading centers in the region, a result of wise instructions from HH Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, and HH Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. The trade policy pursued by the Emirate, under the guidance of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Finance (DoF) has clearly been successful.”

Qatar occupied first place in terms of the exports volume, while Saudi Arabia was second. United States was ranked in first place in imports volume, while Germany and Saudi Arabia were second and the third respectively. One of the most striking features this year is the growth in the value of imports from South Korea, soaring 403% in 2009 as compared to 2008.

“Abu Dhabi’s trade policy is based on economic openness and trade liberalization with special effort, over the past few years, towards attracting foreign investment to increase opportunities for development and prosperity. The UAE and Abu Dhabi in particular, enhanced economic and trade relations with a large number of countries around the world. This has increased levels of foreign trade, especially in non–oil and commodities sector,” continued HE Al Muhairi.

He concluded. “Abu Dhabi Customs Department applies the highest international standards in its customs operations and aims to contribute in strengthening the Emirate’s status in global economy and trade.”