UAE Participates As Guest Of Honour At China International Import Expo 2025 To Strengthen Economic Ties
The eighth China International Import Expo (CIIE) 2025 began in Shanghai, themed "New Era, Shared Future." This event is a major platform for imports in China, aiming to open its market to foreign goods and services. It seeks to convert China's vast market potential into actual purchasing power and strengthen global trade connections.
This year's expo boasts a larger exhibition space than previous editions, with participation from over 155 countries, regions, and international organisations. Exhibitors are presenting innovative technologies and products while seeking opportunities to integrate into China's supply chains.
Representing President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan leads the UAE delegation at the event. The UAE is honoured as the Guest of Honour, highlighting the strong ties between the two nations over 41 years, especially in economic and investment sectors.
During the expo, the UAE will highlight its achievements in digital transformation, sustainable economy, and technology through its national pavilion and participating companies. This participation aligns with its goals to enhance economic cooperation with China and explore new opportunities in technology, clean energy, food security, and logistics.
The UAE-China relationship exemplifies constructive cooperation supporting both nations' development visions. Economic ties continue to grow; China is the UAE’s top non-oil trading partner while the UAE serves as a key gateway for Chinese exports to the Middle East and Africa.
Bilateral trade reached US$102 billion in 2024, a 7% increase from the previous year. This growth underscores both nations' commitment to strengthening their economic partnership. Over 14,500 Chinese business licenses exist in the UAE, making China a significant source of foreign direct investment.
Tourism and Connectivity
In 2024, over one million Chinese tourists visited the UAE, showcasing its appeal as a preferred destination. Air connectivity between both countries is expanding with more than 110 direct weekly flights currently operating.
The UAE aims to advance its strategic partnership with China by supporting the Belt and Road Initiative and increasing bilateral trade to US$200 billion by 2030. Energy cooperation remains a focus to ensure security and sustainability.
Collaborative Initiatives
The UAE has been an active participant in the Belt and Road Initiative since its inception in 2013. It leverages its strategic location and economic role by investing US$10 billion in a joint fund for Belt and Road projects in East Africa. In 2018, it signed 13 Memoranda of Understanding for investments across various sectors within the UAE.
The UAE also regularly engages in the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum to strengthen strategic Arab-Chinese partnerships based on comprehensive cooperation for mutual progress across all sectors.
The UAE-China Business Forum continues enhancing cooperation between both countries by exploring ways to elevate trade and investment ties further. In April, senior officials attended the first virtual meeting of the UAE-China Investment Cooperation Committee.
With inputs from WAM
Sign in with Google