Trade News

Government extends the Interest Equalization Scheme until June 30, 2024

The Government has extended the Interest Equalisation Scheme until June 30, 2024, providing a vital interest subsidy for Indian exporters. Furthermore, while MSME manufacturers receive a 3 per cent rate, the scheme now includes a Rs 10 crore annual cap per exporter to ensure fair fund distribution.

SMEs account for more than 60 per cent of job opportunities in Dubai. AFP SMEs account for more than 60 per cent of job opportunities in Dubai. AFP

Dubai launches $136m plan to help SMEs grow internationally

The Dubai International Growth Initiative provides Dh500 million in funding to empower local SMEs for global expansion. Furthermore, by offering financing at Eibor rates through Emirates NBD, the programme supports the D33 Agenda to double Dubai’s economy.

Red Sea crisis: Fuel trade robust but container shipping slumps

Red Sea containerised trade faced a significant 25% drop in December as Houthi attacks forced major shipping lines to reroute around Africa. Furthermore, while freight rates for consumer goods have tripled, oil and gas tankers continue to traverse the region with minimal disruption.

The World Trade Organisation's headquarters in Geneva. The WTO's 13th Ministerial Conference will be held in Abu Dhabi in February 2024. AFP

How the UAE set the global trade agenda in 2023

UAE trade reached a historic milestone in 2023, with non-oil foreign trade hitting Dh 1.239 trillion in the first half of the year. Furthermore, the expansion of the CEPA programme and the launch of the Trade Tech Initiative in Davos underscore the nation’s growing economic influence.

Jewelry

Jewellery trade moves to expose shell companies, curb illegal fund flows

Banks will soon blacklist jewellery firms that fail to disclose their ultimate beneficial owners. Furthermore, this initiative aims to expose rogue firms and curb hawala deals. Consequently, industry bodies like GJEPC and ECGC are enforcing stricter KYC rules to align with global FATF standards and protect India’s investment landscape.