Dubai Export Development Corporation (DEDC) and Emirates Authority for Standardization & Metrology (ESMA) have signed an MoU aimed at upgrading national products and enhance quality.

DEDC is the Dubai government body charged with promoting exports from the emirate.

The agreement is part of a series of actions that DEDC has initiated to open new avenues for investors and local exporters which will motivate them to develop their businesses, said a top DEDC official.

"This will further boost technical and legal co-operation between the companies and enhance export channels. The MoU will eventually make the indigenous products more competitive globally," said Saed Al Awadi, chief executive officer, DEDC.

"Esma comprises selected eligible technical resources, and has several activities and programmes to raise awareness on global standards and specifications. We will continue to co-operate with the authority to provide standard specifications adapted to the state’s export operations," Al Awadi noted.

"The MOU will help us develop a time schedule for implementing joint actions related to the exchange of information, organisation of activities and host events to raise the level of national industries," he added.

The MOU is a joint action to avoid the technical obstacles imposed by international trade laws on national products, as well as participate in organising seminars, lectures and workshops that will serve the objectives of both parties.

“Esma aims to support the national economy and development plans, a goal that we share with DEDC. Through this partnership, we will implement work programmes and serve the domestic fleet by providing the latest information on products’ standards and specifications in potential markets which will intensify the local export sector,” said Walid bin Falah Al Mansouri, Esma director general.  

Esma was established in 2001 to support the national economy. It plans economic development by ensuring quality standards and encouraging competition amongst domestic products to enable them to enter international markets.

It also assists in spreading awareness on activities related to standardisation and scientific developments.

DEDC was established in 2006 to develop local industry and to expand new markets for exporters, as well as encourage local businessmen to invest in this sector and export to world markets.

The Foundation held a number of partnerships with Noor Islamic Bank, Dubai Technical Complex and Dubai Consulting Company, to provide solutions to overcome obstacles that might hinder the country’s export sector development, Al Awadi added.-TradeArabia News Service