Page 275 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - SEPTEMBER 2024 (Part 1)

9/29/24, 5:57 PM Golden era for China-UAE ties - World - Chinadaily.com.cn
This will not only result in sustainable growth for both sides, but also contribute to the growth of the
global economy, said Al Saleh.

China has been the UAE's largest trading partner for years, with non-oil trade between them
reaching $81 billion in 2023. The UAE is China's largest export market and second-largest trading
partner in the Middle East.

Noting that 2024 marks the 40th anniversary of China-UAE diplomatic ties, Al Saleh said their
bilateral cooperation spanned various sectors.

After the two sides upgraded their bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership in
2018, a lot of high-level exchanges, dialogues, and forums were held.

A great number of memoranda of understanding and agreements were also signed between the UAE
and China to diversify their cooperation, said Al Saleh.

"During the last visit of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in May, we also
witnessed more than 30 MoUs that were signed between the two sides," he added.

The UAE, which had announced its support for the Belt and Road Initiative in 2015, is exploring
new cooperation with China in areas such as smart city, digital economy, clean energy, and tourism,
said Al Saleh.

Strengthening the relationship in the business sector, especially among small and medium-sized
enterprises, is also key to future cooperation, he added.

"If you look at the latest development … in China, especially in the innovation and knowledge-
based economy, I think the UAE can benefit from its cooperation with China to transfer the
knowledge and build on the capabilities that China has in this field," said Al Saleh.

With the UAE transforming its economy through innovation, Al Saleh said that he sees huge
potential for upgrading the country's cooperation with China, considering that there are around
350,000 Chinese people living in the UAE and investments made by Chinese companies in the UAE
have reached $6 billion.

Al Saleh said the UAE can be a gateway to the Middle East and African markets for Chinese
investors who wish to expand their business.

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