Ahmed Butti Ahmed, the director general of Dubai Customs and CEO of the Ports, Maritime and Free Zone Authority, said that the statistics released by Dubai Customs during the period between January and October of 2010 show an unprecedented rise in Dubai's direct exports within the last five years which totaled more than AED 56.5 billion during the first ten months of the year exceeding the same period in 2009 which was valued at AED 41 billion; a rise of 36 percent.

He added that re-export operations have witnessed a record rise as well. They totaled AED 118 billion during the first ten months of this year compared to AED 96 billion during the same period last year. He considered this an indication that reflected the positive and forward trend of business movement in the emirate which benefited from sustainable economic system, sophisticated infrastructure, distinguished geographic location, economic distinctive relations, and the presence of an economic legislation system that offers equal opportunities and fair competitiveness factors, and encourages innovation and distinction.

He said that Dubai imports totaled more than AED 300 billion during the first ten months of the year 2010 with a rise of 14 per cent compared to the same period last year which totaled AED 262 billion which means that trade movement is flourishing in the emirate and the UAE, liquidity is growing, purchasing power improving.

It indicates also the growing of investment and business opportunities available for the business sector.

Statistics released by Dubai Customs included free zone trade which grew by 22 per cent during the first ten months of 2010 totaling AED 265 billion compared to AED 217 billion for the same period last year. Trade of customs stores rose by 110 per cent totalling AED 2.7 billion by the end of the first ten months of 2010 compared to AED 1.3 billion for the same period of 2009.

Meanwhile, India remained on top of the list of Dubai's business partners, according to figures released by the end of October 2010. The value of total exchanges between Dubai and India amounted to AED 123 billion making it 26 percent of total Dubai trade exchanges with the world. Dubai imports from India was valued AED 56.4 billion, and exports valued DHS 24 billion. Re-export operations totaled AED 42.2 billion.

In imports, China came second after India. Dubai's imports from China within the first ten months of 2010 totaled AED 37 billion. China is followed by the United States a with more than AED 23 billion of exports to Dubai.

In terms of exports, Switzerland is the second biggest importer from Dubai after India with a value of approximately AED 10 billion, followed by Saudi Arabia which came second with more than AED 2 billion.

Meanwhile, the annual report released on Sunday by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry  indicates positive growth patterns by key economic sectors led by the Chamber members' export and re-export activities registering an annual growth rate of 15.2% compared to the year 2009.

While looking back at the year 2010, Hamad Buamim, director general, Dubai Chamber, pointed out that the challenges faced by the business community enticed the Chamber to come up with new initiatives and to focus more sharply on its role as a business facilitator, adviser and mediator. He said the annual report clearly demonstrates the achievements and growth patterns in light of the positive economic indicators that point out to trade returning to the pre-crisis figures of 2008.