Dubai’s pharmaceuticals and health equipment sector grew by nearly 45 percent between 1997 and 2001 according to figures released by Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI). Total trade, combining imports, exports and re-exports, grew from 530 million Emirati dirhams ($144.3 million) to Dh767 million over the period.
Nearly 100 industry executives attended the first meeting on Saturday, November 2, at DCCI of a new business group dedicated to the pharmaceuticals and health equipment sector in Dubai. The aim of the new group is to represent and articulate member interests more effectively with the support and legal backing of DCCI.
Last month, new business groups were created under the umbrella of the Chamber for the foodstuffs trading and land transport sectors. New business groups are also planned for Dubai’s building materials trading, printing and publishing, and food and beverage manufacturing sectors.
Key discussion points at Saturday’s meeting included Dubai Customs clearance procedures, Dubai Municipality inspections, Ministry of Health registration procedures, and member dealings with local and federal authorities in general.
DCCI membership representing the pharmaceuticals and health equipment business in Dubai has grown from 458 members in 1997 to 750 last year. The sector amounts to 1.4 percent of the Chamber’s total membership.
Saturday’s meeting concluded with an agreement by members to elect a committee of between eight to 11 members to head the new Pharmaceuticals and Health Equipment Business Group. Members will vote on nominations at a meeting attended by DCCI within seven to 10 days. — (menareport.com)
© 2002 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
