Eyeing India’s huge market, Dubai Exports (DE), the export promotion agency of Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED), opened its overseas office in Mumbai. The new office will work in coordination with the representative office of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) in Mumbai.

“India is the leading trade partner of Dubai and our total bilateral trade during the first nine months of 2013 was worth over AED111 billion. Dubai Exports opening its office in Mumbai is a milestone by all means as it marks a consolidated move by government agencies to optimize opportunities in a strategic market,” says Sami Al-Qamzi, director general of DED.

According to figures, in 2012, goods worth over AED32 billion were exported to India from Dubai while re-exports crossed AED50 billion. Exports and re-exports to India recorded during the first nine months of 2013 were valued at AED24 billion and AED31 billion respectively. Pearls, precious metals and stones, copper, iron and steel, plastics and aluminum are some of the top commodities exported to India through Dubai.

“Dubai Exports being present in India will reinforce Dubai’s position as an export and re-export hub for Indian companies and we anticipate a five to 10 percent growth in bilateral trade as a direct result of the office. It will also underline the significance of the Dubai Overseas Promotion Policy, which seeks coordinated efforts by Dubai government entities in foreign markets,” Al-Qamzi said.

Helal Saeed Almarri, director general of DTCM, commented: “India is an important market for DTCM, being consistently one of our top 10 source markets for visitors to Dubai, with latest figures positioning it as second. The 14 percent year-on-year growth in visitor numbers for the first three quarters of 2013 demonstrates the high growth potential, which will come from both leisure and business travelers.

“The partnership with Dubai Exports will further deepen Dubai’s relationship with India’s tourism and trade industries and is a demonstration of the unified efforts of Dubai entities in promoting the emirate,” he added.