Abu Dhabi and China sign key agreements, strengthen ties
Chinese investments in the UAE have increased by 16 per cent, while UAE investments in China soared by 120 per cent.
An economic delegation from Abu Dhabi, led by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), has wrapped up a successful visit to China, which included the signing of several key agreements to boost cooperation between government entities and private sector companies in both regions.
A major highlight of the visit was the signing of a strategic cooperation agreement between the Abu Dhabi government and the Shanghai Municipal People’s government, covering a wide range of sectors including trade, finance, technology, education, and tourism.
The Foreign Affairs Office of the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government and ADDED will spearhead efforts to implement the agreement.
Over six days, the delegation engaged in numerous high-level meetings with Chinese officials and business leaders across Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong.
Key discussions were held with prominent figures such as Chen Jining, Member of the Politburo and Party Secretary of Shanghai, and Yin Yong, Mayor of Beijing.
The delegation also explored opportunities with leading Chinese companies including ByteDance, Xiaomi, BYD, and CICC.
Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, chairman of ADDED, expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the trip, emphasizing the importance of fostering new opportunities in high-growth sectors and strengthening economic ties with China. “The impressive growth in bilateral trade and investments is a testament to our shared commitment to strategic cooperation,” he said.
Abu Dhabi’s economic delegation to China has signed strategic partnerships that will enhance cooperation between the public and private sectors. The delegation, led by @AbuDhabiDED, included @InvestAbuDhabi, @AbuDhabiCustoms, @adchamber, @ADGlobalMarket and @hub71ad. pic.twitter.com/4TPH2WyH2P
— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) February 22, 2025
Other agreements signed
The visit saw the signing of agreements with leading Chinese entities such as Fosun International and Hejun Group, aimed at bolstering investment and economic relations.
Additionally, the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) signed a strategic cooperation agreement with the Shanghai Federation of Industry and Commerce to promote bilateral trade and investment.
The Abu Dhabi-Shanghai Business Forum facilitated B2B meetings, further strengthening business relations between the two regions.
Trade between the UAE and China: Highlights
Bilateral trade between the UAE and China has surged in recent years, growing from $2bn (Dhs7.4bn) in 2000 to nearly $100bn (Dhs367bn) in 2023.
In the first nine months of 2024, trade reached $74.5bn (Dhs273.4bn), with projections suggesting it will rise to $200bn (Dhs734bn) by 2030.
Chinese investments in the UAE have increased by 16 per cent, while UAE investments in China soared by 120 per cent.
The number of Chinese companies registered with the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry grew by 38 per cent in 2023 and 69.4 per cent in 2024.
