Abu Dhabi Customs records external trade growth of 36.6 per cent in July 2008 to AED 8.59 billion

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The General Administration of Customs - Abu Dhabi announced that external trade in July 2008 increased by 36.6 per cent over the same period in 2007, highlighting the high-growth trade environment of Abu Dhabi. Overall trade volume was AED 8.59 billion in July this year as against AED 6.289 billion for July 2007.

Commenting on the comprehensive report on external trade activities that include imports, non oil exports and re-exports transactions during July 2008, His Excellency Saeed Ahmed Al Muhairi, Vice Director of the Abu Dhabi Customs Administration, praised the ongoing growth of external trade activities despite the usual general slow down during the summer period.

"The statistics represent a hard proof that reflects the high stature of Abu Dhabi in the Customs field. Through providing traders with high end services, we were able to attract more dealers who expect simple and swift customs procedures", explained Al Muhairi.

His Excellency also stressed that the report highlights the increasing economic importance of Abu Dhabi, as a premium hub for the services industry in the region, whereas the Emirate is witnessing a phenomenal expansion on all levels. These developments being in line with the futuristic vision of the Emirate's Leadership, represented by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE; and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

According to the new statistics, imports during July 2008 reached AED 7.492 billion compared to AED 5.141 billion in the same period in 2007 - registering an increase of 46 per cent.

Non-oil Exports of Abu Dhabi reached to AED 578 million and 877 thousand in July 2008 compared to AED 579 million and 805 thousand in the same period in 2007. Re-export activities witnessed a decrease last July plummeting to AED 518 million and 965 thousand in July 2008 from AED 567 million and 937 thousand for the same period last year.

Saudi Arabia, Japan and Germany were the top three exporters to the Emirate last month, while Qatar, Saudi Arabia and China were the top three destinations for Abu Dhabi's non-oil exports. The top re-exports destinations were Saudi Arabia, Oman and Bahrain. The Department also announced that 57 per cent of imports were through sea ports while 32 per cent merchandise passed land borders and 11 per cent were through air freight.

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About The Department of Finance

The Department of Finance (DoF) was established in 1966, and plays a vital role in providing all local government entities with the best of breed of financial services.

DoF aims at enhancing the prosperity of the Abu Dhabi community by contributing to economic growth and promoting private sector participation. DoF includes 5 main directorates and they are: Budgeting, Customs, Government Accounts, Support Services and Information Technology.

DoF is adopting the latest processes and technology to further strengthen the effectiveness and efficiency of its services.

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