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The Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai has launched a ‘Buyer Protection Programme’ to improve the emirate’s bilateral trade relations and protect the interests of traders who import products from Dubai. Dubai Exports, the export promotion agency of DED, has launched the initiative, designed by the Commercial Compliance and Consumer Protection (CCCP) sector in DED, as a pilot project through its overseas trade office (OTO) in India.
The Buyer Protection Programme allows commercial disputes to be resolved quickly and at minimal costs. Traders in India can now approach the Dubai Exports representative office in their country to submit complaints, following which CCCP will start working towards an amicable settlement.
The launch of the programme in India comes within a week of the joint statement made by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, along with Mr Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, to develop a medium and long term strategy for increasing bilateral trade by 60 per cent over the next five years.
The joint statement said that there would be focus on identifying potential sectors and the impeding tariff and non-tariff barriers, exploring opportunities in services sector and formulating a sector-specific strategy to boost two-way trade and investments.
“The historic trade relations between the UAE and India are entering a new phase of dynamic and sustainable engagement with the leadership in both countries determined to work closer on optimising their respective strengths. Government entities in Dubai are committed to see that this new flourish is founded on a solid platform of exemplary practices and greater efficiencies,” commented Engineer Saad Al Awadi, CEO of Dubai Exports.
Data for the first nine months of 2016 show that trade between India and Dubai was over AED 70 billion ($ 19.1 billion). Currently, imports from India to Dubai account for 60 per cent of the total trade value while exports from the emirate are 12 per cent and the rest is re-exports. The largest export from Dubai to India is gold which accounts half the value followed by copper wires, base metals and polymers.
“Dubai Exports’s role is to support local exporters to develop and diversify their overseas operations. The India office is an important initiative to aid them in penetrating and showcasing their products and expertise to their target markets,” said Eng Al Awadi. “We are optimistic that the Buyer Protection Programme will open avenues for Dubai-based companies to further boost their exports not only in India but also to other neighbouring countries,” he explained.
Mr Mohammed Lootah, CEO of CCCP, said: “Under the Buyer Protection Programme, a firm in India can use the Dubai Exports offices to lodge a complaint against a Dubai supplier. Once all the evidence has been provided, CCCP will ensure that the matter is amicably resolved usually within ten working days. The programme is an extension of the ease of doing business and service efficiencies that differentiate Dubai as a competitive hub.”
“Commercial buyers need the assurance that their suppliers will provide the goods or services as agreed. The Buyer Protection Programme is a competitive guarantee that will lead to improved customer satisfaction and happiness among our trade partners in India, which is a priority market for Dubai,” added Mr Lootah.
Dubai Exports already has six overseas trade offices, in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Brazil, Russia and Germany, in addition to India. Over the years, there has been considerable diversity of exports from Dubai to India and the Dubai Exports office in India has played a significant role in raising the awareness of UAE products in the market.
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