Page 123 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - SEPTEMBER 2024 (Part 2)

Sheikh Ahmed reaffirmed Dubai's aspiration and commitment to strengthening economic ties with
China to advance the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.

On his X account, Sheikh Ahmed said: “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 ties with China, which is the UAE's leading trade partner.”

He added: “We now have over 15,500 Chinese companies operating in the UAE, and in 2023, we
welcomed 1.2 million Chinese tourists. In Dubai, around 5,500 Chinese companies are registered
with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce. We are committed to strengthening our economic ties with
China to advance the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.”

"Our relationship with China is experiencing exponential growth, as it is the UAE's number one
trading partner. Today, we have more than 15,500 Chinese companies operating in UAE markets,
and we received 1.2 million Chinese tourists in 2023. In Dubai, the number of Chinese companies
registered with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce has reached about 5,500."
The forum focused on exploring ways to enhance economic and trade relations and boost mutual
investments between UAE and Chinese businesses.

Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy 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.

https://gulfnews.com/business/economy/sheikh-ahmed-we-look-forward-to-strengthening-our-
economic-ties-with-china-1.1726166036171