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DUBAI / WAM
The Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) in partnership with global e-commerce platform for SMEs, Alibaba, recently conducted two workshops to emphasise the importance of business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce and to elaborate on Chamber’s role in facilitating e-commerce activities in the MENA region.
The workshops, held at the Dubai Chamber headquarters, provided information about the sector and detailed the shift away from traditional store-based sales towards e-commerce in Dubai and the GCC region. “Internet usage is rapidly growing, but B2B online commerce remains underdeveloped in the region,” said Dr Belaid Rettab, Senior Director, Economic Research & Sustainable Business Development Sector at Dubai Chamber.
He noted that according to a 2015 study conducted by Frost & Sullivan, e-commerce in the GCC is expected to reach US$41.5 billion by 2020. He also noted that in 2014, the UAE had the highest internet penetration rate and electronic market in the Gulf region, and by 2020 it will have 53-55% of the GCC market share. “Such expansion translates into myriad opportunities for innovative MENA businesses who want to expand their market reach,” he explained.
The workshops also reviewed the exclusive MENA partnership between Dubai Chamber and the leading global e-commerce platform for SMEs, Alibaba. Dubai Chamber helps companies to take advantage of the platform to access new buyers, thus facilitating entry into international markets.
The Dubai Chamber-Alibaba partnership broadens the market reach of Dubai Chamber’s members, providing them with a unique opportunity for increased sales.