Dubai Exports, the export promotion agency of the Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai, brought together buyers from six key international markets along with local manufacturers as well as exporters in an ‘Elite Buyers Programme’ in Dubai recently.

The largest trade-related B2B meetings series held to date in Dubai, the Programme was part of the Dubai Exports strategy to promote Dubai and the UAE as the most competitive destination for buyers, suppliers and retailers internationally to source varied products, particularly those goods increasingly in demand in fast-growing consumer markets worldwide.

Representatives of supermarkets based in six countries but with operations across six countries and 723 branches participated in the event, which allowed UAE businesses to showcase and thereby export their products to international markets. Together, the international buyers represent the leading retailers in their respective markets with a combined sales of AED 7.7B (US$ 2.1B). On average, the buyers control 10% of the supermarket business in their respective country.

The Programme saw 196 B2B meetings with a total of 11 buyer companies from Brazil, Hong Kong, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, India and Russia on one side and 54 Dubai Exports member companies on the other. The Dubai Exports member firms included manufacturers and exporters of a vast variety of FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods) sectors, particularly beverages, bread and bakery, canned products, dairy, frozen foods, dry/baking Products, personal care, cleaners and paper products.

Mohammed Al Kamali, Deputy CEO of Dubai Exports, said the aim of the Elite Buyers Programme was to allow UAE exporters to reach a targeted audience and influential buyers in one condensed session. “The international buyers had the opportunity not only to meet UAE exporters but also test and try the products thereby providing immediate feedback. Dubai Exports from its long and successful experience know that while the Internet offers seamless connectivity to businesses and people, nothing is as effective as face-to-face engagement in building trust between potential buyers and exporters, and in achieving cross-border sales.”

Ahmad Al Omari, Director of Export Markets Development in Dubai Exports, commented: “The supermarket buyers were meticulously chosen from those countries where Dubai Exports has an overseas trade office (OTO) so that prompt follow-up can be ensured on the B2B meetings. Dubai Exports has eight OTOs across seven countries and is able to provide on the ground support to UAE companies, especially for SMEs, which do not have the resources for an international physical presence.”

As many as 12 of the UAE companies that attended the Programme were SME businesses. All local exporters were given pre-B2B training so that they had the necessary tools with which to be on the buyers’ radars. Assistance was provided on developing interesting content to attract buyer attention and understanding the local culture of the target market to attract consumers.