Bouyed
by a strong economic climate, Abu Dhabi's trade
has soared to Dh46.64 billion in the first six
months of 2008 as compared to Dh36.33bn for the
same period in 2007, a rise of 28.4 per cent,
customs figures show.
Releasing the half-yearly figures yesterday, the
General Administration of Customs Abu Dhabi said
the surge "highlighted the high-growth trade
environment of Abu Dhabi".
Imports during the first half of this year
reached Dh40.14bn compared to Dh30bn in the same
period in 2007, an increase of 31 per cent.
Non-oil exports increased Dh3.34bn in the first
half of 2008 as compared to Dh2.76bn in the
first half of 2007, an increase of 23 per cent.
Re-exports grew from Dh2.93bn in the first six
months of 2007 to Dh3.154bn for the same period
this year.
Saudi Arabia, Japan and the US were the top
three exporters to the emirate in the first half
of 2008, while Saudi Arabia, Qatar and China
were the top three destinations for Abu Dhabi's
non-oil exports. The top re-exports destinations
were Qatar, Oman and India.
The figures showed that 58 per cent of imports
were through ports, while 30 per cent
merchandise passed land borders and 12 per cent
were through air freight.
Presenting the report on external trade
activities, including imports, non-oil exports
and re-exports transactions, Saeed Ahmed Al
Muhairi, Vice-Director of the Abu Dhabi Customs
Administration, said the "data underscored the
proactive attitude and international best
practices followed by the customs sector". He
attributed the impressive growth in external
trade to the unprecedented economic and growth
initiatives by Abu Dhabi.
Bouyed
by a strong economic climate, Abu Dhabi's trade
has soared to Dh46.64 billion in the first six
months of 2008 as compared to Dh36.33bn for the
same period in 2007, a rise of 28.4 per cent,
customs figures show.
