UAE largest ME importer from Hong Kong

The UAE is Hong Kong's largest export market in the Middle East. Figures released by the Expo Centre Sharjah on Monday show that Hong Kong's total exports to the UAE grew by 7% to USD $ 1,859 million during January-November 2006. Pearls, precious and semi-precious stones accounted for 16% of the total exports.Hong Kong will have the biggest pavilion in the 22nd MidEast Watch and Jewellery Show, to be held at Expo Centre Sharjah from April 25 - 29. Featuring more than 60 exhibitors, the pavilion is believed to be a reflection of Hong Kong's growing commercial ties with the UAE.Hong Kong's fine jewellery exports rose 13.7 % to USD $ 3.7 billion in 2006. Since 2002, Hong Kong's jewellery sector exports have been increasing by 20% a year.The Middle East represents around 5% of Hong Kong's overall jewellery exports, with the UAE and Saudi Arabia being the major markets. Source WAM