DED agency draws up outreach programme

Dubai Exports, the export promotion agency of the Department of Economic Development has drawn up a sector-wise outreach programme for 2012 to interact closer with industry clusters and address their export-related needs more effectively. A major feature of the initiative will be workshops, held prior to and during major trade fairs and exhibitions, to highlight international opportunities for member companies in the corresponding industry sector. Companies attending the workshops can also learn about the services and support provided by Dubai Exports in leveraging export opportunities. “We have spoken to leading event organisers and agreed with many of them to conduct our workshops alongside strategic industry events. Dubai Exports has also drawn up a workshop programme for 2012,” said Mariam Al Afridi, director of Exporters’ Services, Dubai Exports. “The workshops will help Dubai Exports to strengthen the association with major industry sectors and closely align our services, strategies and programmes to the needs of businesses. Meanwhile, companies can gain critical knowledge on accessing new markets and connecting with potential customers, across industry platforms,” Al Afridi added.Dubai Exports recently hosted companies from the food and beverages sector in a pre-departure meeting before leading a delegation to the Alimentaria 2012 food trade show in Barcelona, Spain, in 2012. A workshop was also conducted for education and training providers as part of the Getex education show held in Dubai earlier this month. “Moving forward, we will organise workshops for healthcare and pharmaceutical firms on June 4 as part of the ‘m+health Exhibition and Congress 2012’. We are also looking at holding a similar event for IT companies as part of Gitex in September 2012,” said Al Afridi. The month of October will see logistics companies and Dubai Exports discussing export markets and prospects at the TOC CSC: Middle East Conference while in November, construction and building materials companies will be invited for a dialogue at the Big 5 exhibition. A workshop for the precious metals and jewellery businesses is being planned for November 13 in connection with the 8th Dubai City of Gold Conference, and another on December 6 for media and information services companies during the Media and Marketing Show.