DUBAI — Japan’s imports from the UAE during the first half of the year reached Dh60 billion registering a 55 per cent growth in comparison to the same period last year indicating a robust growth pattern for future trade prospects, said Hamad Buamim, Director-General, Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry, during the third quarterly country focus briefing held on Wednesday at the chamber premises.

After successfully exploring the Latin American and European markets, the chamber’s quarterly initiative turned the spotlight on the Asian market by focusing on Japan.

Buamim said that Japanese companies have a long history selling their goods in Dubai and offering expertise in engineering and technology, as there are several ongoing projects in the areas of power, water, transport, and telecommunications. He also informed the gathering that the Dubai Chamber building was designed by a Japanese designer, Nikken Sekkei.

“Dubai is a major hub for Japanese exports in the region. The emirate enjoys excellent trade ties with Japan as the country ranked 6th on the list of Dubai’s top trading partners in the world as the Emirate’s non-oil trade with the country amounted to approximately Dh25.3 billion in 2009.”