Page 355 - MOET PR REPORT- SEPTEMBER 2025

9/26/25, 4:34 PM Global Digital Trade Expo opens in China with UAE participation
Muhannad Sulaiman Al Naqbi, UAE Consul-General in Shanghai; as well as

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senior officials, representatives of government entities and national
companies.
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In his address, Al Saleh underscored the importance of the event in

strengthening global economic cooperation, particularly in digital trade,

which he described as a driver of growth and sustainable development. He

thanked China for inviting the UAE as the Guest of Honour and praised the

organisation of the expo.

Al Saleh said UAE-China ties had expanded significantly over the past four

decades, making the UAE China's top non-oil trading partner in the Middle

East and Africa and a gateway for more than 60 percent of China's trade

with the region. China is now the UAE's largest global trading partner,

reflecting the depth of their comprehensive strategic partnership.

He added that the digital economy currently accounts for about 12 percent

of the UAE's non-oil GDP, with plans to double that share to 20 percent by

2031 as the country strengthens its role as a global hub for advanced

technologies and digital investment. The UAE was also the first country to

appoint a minister of artificial intelligence in 2017.

According to UNCTAD's World Investment Report 2025, the UAE ranked 10th

globally for inbound foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2024, achieving an

unprecedented US$45.6 billion in FDI inflows.

Al Saleh highlighted that Chinese investment in the UAE totals about $9
billion, while more than 16,500 Chinese companies operate in the country,

many in digital trade and advanced technologies.

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