Abu Dhabi companies learn about exporting

The Foreign Trade and Export Support Division of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, or Added, conducted its final of three “Introduction to exporting” seminars. The three seminars took place recently in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain and attended by approximately 80 participants who learned about exporting, its benefits to companies, and how Added’s export support division can assist companies with their export development. “This seminar was excellent. This type of program is good for UAE business development,” one of the attendees said. The support of other Abu Dhabi organisations helped make the event a success. Dr Adeeb Al Afifi, director of Foreign Trade and Export Support said: “The support of our strategic partners in developing Abu Dhabi’s private sector competitiveness continues to be of great value.” Endorsements from the Abu Dhabi Council for Economic Development, Western Region Development Council, Abu Dhabi Chamber and the Industrialist Union Society helped attract companies to the seminar. The attendees were actively involved during the seminar and began to apply what was discussed. Export support team member Humaid Al Awadhi led the seminars, saying: “The companies had very good questions but were asked to apply what we discussed. Attendees were asked to begin assessing whether their company has an exportable good or service.” “In one exercise we provided the companies some facts. They use these facts, other knowledge, and experience to identify three potential export markets. Then what are the three most important things they need to know about across the markets to choose one for exporting. It was well received by the attendees,” he added. More than 50 per cent of the attendees currently do not export. After attending the seminar, over 90 per cent of the attendees stated that they want their company to begin exporting or if already exporting to begin working with Added’s export support division. From khaleejtime