Dubai electronics trade jumps 30%

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) According to official statistics released on Tuesday by Dubai Customs, the value hit Dh136 billion compared to Dh104 billion over the same period in 2012. This was the result of a remarkable 32 per cent increase in imports to Dh75 billion from Dh57 billion, along with a 28 per cent growth in exports and re-exports to Dh61 billion, compared with Dh48 billion last year. This rapid pace of growth in the electronics trade attests to Dubai's ability to keep pace with the technology and communications revolution, by fine-tuning its infrastructure to accommodate these technologies. This has made Dubai one of the world's fastest cities to move into the digital era, consistent with the UAE's overall drive towards the adoption of the Smart Government initiative launched by His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Dubai Customs successfully made this transformation and was able to launch smart services within 100 days since the launch of the initiative, thus becoming the first 100-per cent Smart Government Department. This means that along with offering all its services via smart phones without disruption, Dubai Customs also utilises a follow-up system that ensures service processing as soon as client requests are submitted. Dubai connects major IT and electronics markets throughout diverse regions of the globe through its first-rate ports and free zones. With respect to imports, Asian markets top the list, led by China with a share of 47 per cent of total imports amounting to Dh35 billion, followed by Vietnam, with 16 per cent and Dh12 billion. Malaysia comes next at five per cent with Dh4 billion. Overall, the share of these three countries collectively accounts for 76 per cent of the total imports of Dubai with an amount of Dh57 billion. In exports and re-exports, Saudi Arabia ranked first with a share of Dh13 billion, representing 21 per cent of the total volume, followed by Iraq with Dh7 billion (11 per cent) and Hong Kong at with Dh4 billion (six per cent). Accordingly, the total share of these markets stands for 39 per cent of the total export and re-export value, which is equal to Dh23 billion. Furthermore Dubai is considered to be a central hub for international trade in communications equipment, IT and satellite broadcasting. Mobile phones operated by cellular networks and other wireless networks hold a leading position amongst the emirate's imports of electronics, with a share of 50 per cent for a value of Dh37 billion, followed by personal computers, with 14 per cent (Dh10 billion), satellite-receiving equipment with five per cent (Dh3 billion). Overall, the total share of these products account for 68 per cent of the total imports, with a value of Dh51 billion. In terms of export and re-export activities, mobile phones come in first with a share of 58 per cent, equal to Dh35 billion.