A record number of 49,000 companies who use Dubai Trade’s portal are in the race for top honours awarded on the basis of the number of e-transactions carried out by the customers.

Dubai Trade, the premier trade facilitator under Dubai World, will recognise the trading community in Dubai that have achieved the highest online adoption rates at its fourth annual E-Services Excellence Award (ESEA 2011), which will be held in January next year.

Launched in 2008, ESEA (esea.ae) is the first of its kind in the region and have become a celebration and recognition of advancements made in e-transformation by the Middle East logistics industry.

Dubai Trade, in its role as the leading, innovative trade facilitator, will give away awards to best performers under eight categories, in addition to the special signature award to highest adopter of “Cargo Gate Pass” service.

The best performers will be judged on the basis of the extent to which they have adopted and maximised the use of e-services offered on Dubai Trade Portal.

The award categories include:  Exporter of the year, Importer of the year, Clearing Agent of the year, Free Zone company of the year, Freight Forwarder of the year, Hauler of the year, Shipping Agent of the year – Containers and Shipping Agent - General Cargo.

Jamal Majid Bin Thaniah, Group CEO, Port & Free Zone World, and chairman, Dubai Trade, said: “Leveraging digital technologies has ensured effective control of today’s complex supply chain. Dubai Trade’s ESEA was launched to encourage e-adoption among customers in order to give impetus to local and regional logistics sector growth.”

“Dubai Trade has consistently supported the Government’s drive to boost electronic trade and today it has redefined the business to contribute to the local economy in a big way,” he added.

Mahmood Al Bastaki, director, Dubai Trade, said: “We are excited to bring ESEA for the fourth consecutive year. 2011 will recognise local and regional players who have made exceptional strides in e-service adoption in the last 12 months.”

“This year’s awards, like in the past, are expected to motivate our loyal customers to expand their use of our e-services and also encourage the entire trading community to take advantage of the benefits offered by Dubai Trade. In 2010 we had a record breaking number of transactions on the Dubai Trade portal and we are confident of gaining new members this year.”

“We have consistently updated and expanded our portfolio of integrated innovative services to serve our growing clientele,” he concluded. – TradeArabia News Service