19 December 2005
DUBAI: Dubai Tea Trading Center (DTTC) yesterday said the emirate was on course to emerge as the world's leading trans-shipment point for the global tea trade with exports routed through the local ports expected to surge more than 30 percent this year.
In the first 10 months of this year, a record 77.4 million kilograms of multi-origin tea were physically cleared into Dubai for re-export compared to 59 million kilograms during the same period last year - an increase of 31 percent, according to a report in Khaleej Times.
Last year, Dubai accounted for 9 percent of the total global tea exports estimated at 1522.3 million kilograms. "For the year 2004, tea exports physically cleared into Dubai, primarily for re-export were 74 million kilograms and the quantity trans-shipped through Dubai ports was 61 million kilograms - a total of 135 million kilograms, said Sanjay Sethi, Head of the Dubai Tea Trading Center, a subsidiary of the Dubai Metals and Commodities Center. The largest exporter of tea from among the producing countries was Kenya, accounting for 333.8 million kilograms.
"The DTTC was established with the objective of positioning Dubai as an international hub for tea trading and aims to significantly increase the existing volume of tea trade through Dubai," said Ahmad bin Sulayem, chief operating officer of DMCC. "The Global Dubai Tea Forum to be held in Dubai next year will further enhance the profile of Dubai as a premium hub for the regional and global tea trade," he added. The event will bring together the world's tea industry under one roof.
The world's leading producers, buyers, blenders and industry-related services that include raw material, packaging and machine manufacturers will benefit from the opportunity to establish new relationships. It will be an ideal venue for companies to introduce and to showcase new products and services, added Sethi.
"The Global Dubai Tea Forum will firmly establish Dubai as the hub of the regional tea trade as it will bring together the major players of the sector and highlight trends, opportunities and potential threats that the tea industry faces. The ingredients to make this event a success for delegates and participants are all present and we expect membership enquiries to shoot up. Major commitments and announcements are also expected at the forum from international players," he said.
Panel discussions will feature demand trends in the region, computerized and Internet enabled tea marketing and global consumer behavior related to tea demand and supply. Producing and consuming country presentations from Kenya, India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam will be made by representatives of their respective boards. - WAM
