Dubai Exports, an agency of the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED), said it has signed a deal with SGS Gulf to provide export support services to local exporters in the emirates.

SGS Gulf, located at Jebel Ali, is a key inspection, verification, testing and certification firm. Recognised as the global benchmark for quality and integrity, it employs 64,000 people and operates a network of over 1,250 offices and laboratories around the world.

As per the deal, SGS Gulf will offer its value-added, prioritised (inspection, verification, testing and certification) services to Dubai Exports’ members.

These include countries such as Angola, Argentina, Bangladesh, Botswana, Burundi, Cameroon, Colombia, Nigeria, Saudi and Kuwait, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Mauritania, Mongolia, North Korea, Haiti, Russia, Syria,  Uzbekistan, including Iraq (from May 2011).

SGS will also extend on-the-ground assistance with standardization bodies in its operating countries, during international events organized by Dubai Exports.

Other assistance available to Dubai Exports’ members will be regular country and sector updates on product import requirements, issued from time to time by Dubai’s trading partners. General assistance and trade advisory services on exporting requirements will also be made available, said a senior official.

“In our attempt to facilitate Dubai’s companies to penetrate newer markets through product and system certification assistance, SGS will aid exporters to ensure that all products being exported to are of high standards and in line with the importing country requirements," said Saed Al Awadi, CEO, Dubai Exports.

"We are always looking for ways to assist companies in the Emirates by enabling them to penetrate foreign markets and enhance their export capabilities," he added.

Rachid Cherkaoui, managing director, said “SGS constantly look beyond customers’ expectations in order to deliver leading services to the market. We help customers navigate an increasingly regulated world through our specialised business solutions that improve quality, safety, and productivity as well as reduce risk."

"Our partnership with Dubai Exports allows us to add significant value to companies in Dubai and ensure business sustainability in the UAE." he added.

During the partnership tenure, employees of Dubai Exports will also be trained on SGS Gulf’s services and both parties will work together to produce awareness publications on selected product standards and certification requirements for key export markets.-TradeArabia News Service