The UAE-China Business Forum has concluded in Dubai, drawing over 300 delegates.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, attended the event, which coincided with celebrations to mark the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the UAE and China.
The Chinese delegation was led by Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council of China.
The event focused on enhancing economic and trade relations and boosting mutual investments between UAE and Chinese businesses.
UAE Minister of Economy Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri highlighted the strong historical and strategic ties between the two countries. He noted that the UAE currently hosts around 15,500 Chinese businesses and expressed confidence that the forum would strengthen these ties further.
Bin Touq described the gathering as a crucial platform for fostering bilateral economic and investment cooperation and advancing partnerships.
He also discussed the UAE's new economic model and recent legislative changes aimed at enhancing its attractiveness for foreign investments.
The minister invited Chinese companies to explore opportunities in various sectors, including tourism, aviation, fintech, e-commerce and more.
The tourism sector, a key pillar of UAE-China cooperation, has seen significant growth, with 1.2 million Chinese visitors to the UAE in 2023, a 213 per cent increase from the previous year.
Additionally, UAE national carriers now operate 44 flights per week between the two nations.
The forum also showcased successful Dubai-based companies that have expanded their operations and partnerships in China, alongside Chinese firms that have capitalised on the business growth opportunities available in the emirate.
Today, I attended the closing ceremony of the UAE-China Business Forum in Dubai, alongside Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council of China, with 300 officials, top business leaders, and investors. We thank His Excellency for his keynote address. We continue to grow our economic… pic.twitter.com/XxCzz9VAqO
— Ahmed bin Mohammed (@AhmedMohammed) September 12, 2024