Dubai Export Development Corporation (EDC), an agency of the Dubai Department of Economic Development, Government of Dubai, is set to conduct the first in its 2010 series of Exporter Training through its newly established EDC Training Academy on 27th January 2010 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel.
The Dubai Export Academy was launched with the aim to enhance the exporting skills of UAE firms to ensure that they become successful in expanding into foreign markets. As the only Centre of Excellence dedicated purely to export related knowledge, it seeks to provide a unique combination of practical on the ground information of foreign markets with generic export related management knowledge.
“EDC, as an agency of the Dubai Department of Economic Development, Government of Dubai, is responsible to promote Dubai and the UAE’s products and services as well as increase exports from Dubai. Over the years, we have had a good dialogue with our members and one of the major issues raised was the inability to obtain ground knowledge of foreign markets.
“We believe that export knowledge is vital to the future success of Dubai’s economy. In today’s competitive business environment it is not just about having a great product to export but knowing how to get it into foreign markets in a profitable manner. It is important to remember that one route to building a prosperous and successful economy is to grow through exports. We have many successful companies who have penetrated foreign markets and the Academy seeks to capitalise on their knowledge and experience through practical workshops and seminars,” said Engineer Saed Al Awadi, Chief Executive Officer, EDC.
The topics that the Dubai Export Academy intends to conduct in 2010 include Negotiating Skills for Exporters, Brazilian Public Bidding Opportunities, Export Opportunities in Saudi Arabia, Selling Skills for Exporters, Export Opportunities in Egypt, Business Etiquette and Culture for Foreign Markets, and Customer Care for Export Success amongst others.
Among the specific objectives EDC Training Academy is to encourage local companies in the UAE to start exporting their products and services while companies that are already exporting to consider penetrating new markets. The Dubai Export Academy is also seeking to equip businesses in the UAE with skills and knowledge in key areas to enhance their global competitiveness along with creating a platform whereby exporters are able to share their experiences of the global markets while at the same time educating them of best international practices.
In 2009, the Dubai Export Academy held a series of courses where more than 117 participants from 37 different companies across the UAE have attended. The topics covered included: Exporting to Africa, Preparing an Export Plan, Trade Finance for SMEs, Exporting from Dubai, and Branding & marketing for global Markets. The courses were presented by speakers who have extensive experience in the subject matter such as one of the speakers who was based in Africa and had over 20 years experience in the continent.
A more detailed programme is also available on EDC website www.dedc.gov.ae. The courses are available to all interested companies however; further training courses can be attained for EDC members.
