UAE ranked 20th among world's top 20 exporters and first in Middle East and Africa

International Autumn Trade Fair (IATF) 2016 ends on high note

WTO Report: ‘UAE had a 31.5% share of the Middle East’s total exports in 2015, compared to 28 per cent in 2014’ 

Dubai, UAE, 18 December 2016:  The 31st edition of the International Autumn Trade Fair 2016 (IATF 16) concluded Friday (16 December) at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre with excellent results.

The UAE is ranked among the world's top 20 exporters, according to the World Trade Organisation’s Report on International Trade Trends. This was said at the show that attracted thousands of visitors over three days.

The exhibition, organized by Al Fajer Information and Services, has thus reinforced its position on the global consumer exhibitions map after 31 years of consistent growth. 

“Korea and the United Arab Emirates have maintained a close cooperative relationship during the past years and through such relations, supported mutual personal exchange and economic development. As a part of this business, our foundation participated in this trade fair with 8 companies, and we hope this provided an excellent chance for Korean agriculture companies to expand in the UAE and boost trade,” said Ryu Gab-Hee, President of Foundation of Agricultural Technology Commercialization & Transfer (FACT).

“It was a great opportunity to participate in 31st International Autumn Trade Fair which provided an ideal platform for manufacturers and suppliers of Bangladesh to showcase their high quality goods in various product lines, such as ready-made garments, jute goods, leather goods, boutiques, handicrafts, textiles, fashion items and accessories. We feel proud to be part of this fair which is one of the prominent trade shows in the Middle East Region,” said Dr. A.K.M. Rafique Ahammed, Commercial Counsellor, Consulate General of Bangladesh, Dubai.

UAE remains one of the world’s top trading economies, ranking 20th globally and first in the Middle East and Africa in commodity exports. It is also placed 19th internationally in commodity imports and led the MENA region in overall commodity trade, with regional exports totaling USD 265 billion to account for 1.6 per cent of the worldwide total in 2015.

“According to World Trade Organisation (WTO) report, UAE had a 31.5% share of the Middle East’s total exports in 2015, compared to 28 per cent in 2014, as well as 30.8 per cent of the region’s total imports. In terms of service trade, the country ranked 20th globally and first in the Arab World with service imports worth USD 68 billion, representing 1.9 per cent of the world total trade,” said Satish Khanna, General Manager of Al Fajer Information & Services, organizers of the show. 

“The International Autumn Trade Fair offered an ideal platform for all participants to take part in discussion sessions in order to promote the purchase/sell operations in consumer products sector. This has enriched the exhibition as one of the most important trade exhibitions in the region,” Khanna added.

“This year, the exhibition attracted local, regional and international companies operating in the sector of basic and luxury goods, in addition to contractors, consultants and suppliers. This kind of exhibition specializing in trade fairs helps promoting trade across the region,” he added.

“UAE has retained its high ranking as the world's 20 top exporter, and is the most important market for merchandise imports in the MENA region. International Autumn Trade Fair is an international exhibition for consumer goods and appliances, and helps in boosting trade operations” said Rupashree Singh, Exhibition Manager.

Many international companies participated in the show and offered a wide range of modern products like pieces of art and antiques and handicrafts, artificial flowers and plants, auto parts, bags, building materials, carpets and wall coverings, cosmetics, perfumes, crystal products, among others.