The non-oil trade between Dubai and Asean reached Dh23 billion ($6.2 billion) in the first half this year compared to Dh17 billion recorded during the same period in 2007, according to the Statistics Department of Dubai World.

The figure reflects a growth rate of 30.4 per cent, said a report in the Gulf News.

Dubai's imports from Asean countries, which includes Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Myanmar (Burma), Cambodia, Brunei and Laos during the period grew by 28.4 per cent, while exports showed an increase of 29 per cent and re-export 84.3 per cent, the department statement said.
 
The latest figures released by the Statistics Department also revealed that Malaysia topped the list of Dubai's trade partners among the Asean countries during the period. Malaysia accounted for 34.3 per cent of the total non-oil trade between the two sides amounting to a value of Dh7.911 billion during the first six months of 2008.
 
Second in the list is Thailand with 24.8 per cent, amounting to Dhs5.720 billion. Singapore was third with 18.4 per cent at Dh4.260 billion. Indonesia came fourth with Dh3.467 billion, followed by Vietnam with Dh1.021 billion, the Philippines with Dh492 million, Myanmar (Burma) with Dh126 million, Cambodia with Dh28 million, Brunei with Dh8 million and Laos Dh1.7 million.