Dubai Export Development Corporation (EDC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Dubai Internet City to enhance the emirate’s economic development through the provision of export support services to businesses based at DIC.

The five year agreement involves the establishment of a joint management committee to oversee EDC’s provision of a number of specific services to DIC business partners which will include export preparation, export facilitation and international trade assistance. In turn, DIC will provide EDC with information and support to help to facilitate export growth.

“This agreement is another milestone in EDC’s mission to identify and deliver trade support services to Dubai export businesses,” said Engr. Saed Al Awadi, Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Export Development Corporation.

“Dubai has a strong and growing ICT sector and recent research has shown that the UAE is one of the leading countries in the Middle East when it comes to ICT spending to reach billion by 2011. Through this agreement, EDC will be positioned to interact directly with ICT companies established at Dubai Internet City and supply them with valuable trade assistance through prioritized membership access.”

EDC services that will be made available to DIC business partners will include access to domestic and international market research intelligence to assist in business planning. EDC and DIC will also freely exchange information which will assist EDC to access information that enables EDC to evolve new export strategies and identify new export markets for DIC partners. Consultancy services and export guides will be tailored specifically to the needs of the market segments that DIC’s members are a part of.

“We are delighted to sign this agreement with the Export Development Corporation as it will enhance the support available to DIC business partners involved in, or considering being involved in, export activities,” said Mr Malek Sultan Al Malek, Executive Director, Dubai Internet City.

“Access to EDC’s market intelligence services is another way that DIC hopes to add further knowledge-based value to its ICT community. Through this agreement, our customers will also be provided with the impetus to penetrate profitable markets and add another dimension to Dubai’s flourishing international trade”.

The two organizations plan to promote each other via networking events, shared participation in exhibitions the provision of printed promotional material and mutual website links. As a result of the partnership, DIC partners will also be invited to participate in EDC’s Exporter Award program.