Abu Dhabi Chamber Launches Strategic Stakeholder Engagement Programme To Boost Economic Collaboration

The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) has initiated a strategic programme to enhance collaboration with key economic partners both locally and globally. This initiative aims to create value for the private sector through structured dialogue with strategic partners. A delegation led by Shamis Al Dhaheri, Second Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of ADCCI, visited three major industrial hubs: Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD), Metal Park, and the China-UAE Industrial Capacity Cooperation Demonstration Zone (JOCIC Park).

These industrial hubs are crucial in advancing the Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy (ADIS) and serve as gateways for foreign investment into the UAE. During these visits, ADCCI signed a Collaboration Agreement with Jiangsu Provincial Overseas Cooperation and Investment Company Ltd. (JOCIC). This agreement aims to deepen economic ties with China, unlocking new opportunities for the private sector in both markets.

The agreement offers services such as legal consultation, training, certification, and business matchmaking. It also promotes participation in investment events and economic forums to support business growth and partnerships. Al Dhaheri emphasised that the initiative focuses on building long-term partnerships that enhance the competitiveness of Abu Dhabi’s private sector.

"We appreciate the contributions of KEZAD, Metal Park, and JOCIC Park to the industrial sector, which is central to our economic diversification. Collaborating with these entities reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a destination for cross-border investment and innovation," he said.

KEZAD integrates trade, logistics, and industrial zones, attracting international investors while supporting Abu Dhabi's status as a regional hub. Metal Park is a specialised infrastructure within KEZAD serving the metal industry by offering fabrication, storage, and processing facilities under one roof.

Vahid Fouladkar, CEO of Metal Park, stated: "Our mission aligns with the ‘Make it in the Emirates’ initiative to position the UAE not only as a logistics centre but as the region’s leading industrial hub, especially for metals."

Expanding Chinese Investment

Since its establishment in 2017, JOCIC Park has been instrumental in attracting Chinese industrial investment to Abu Dhabi. Located within KEZAD, this hub spans 2.2 square kilometres with plans for an additional 10 square kilometre expansion underway. It includes integrated accommodation for 3,000 workers.

Over 40 Chinese companies have committed to operating within this zone with investments exceeding US$700 million (AED2.5 billion). UAE-China bilateral trade surged from US$2 billion (AED7.3 billion) in 2000 to US$102 billion (AED374.3 billion) in 2024.

Growing Bilateral Trade

China was Abu Dhabi’s top import partner in 2024 due to infrastructure growth at Khalifa Port and KEZAD. The Collaboration Agreement reflects growing momentum between Abu Dhabi and China. UAE investments in China have risen by 120 percent over two decades.

The number of Chinese company registrations with the Chamber increased by 69.4 percent in 2024. KEZAD, Metal Park, and JOCIC Park remain central to this cooperation reinforcing ADCCI's long-term goal of shaping global trade from Abu Dhabi.

Under this agreement JOCIC Park clients will access ADCCI services while participating in investment events strengthening their role in bilateral engagement and industrial development.

With inputs from WAM