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priority areas such as aluminium, communications, iron and steel, financial services,
aviation, free zones, industry, and others.

Alsuwaidi highlighted China’s growing investments in the UAE, which rose 16 per cent
in 2023 to $1.3 billion, accounting for 60 percent of the total value of China’s
investments in Arab countries. Meanwhile, Dr. Al Zeyoudi said that UAE-China non-oil
trade value, which reached $81 billion in 2023, is expected to surpass $200 billion by
2023.

More than 70 participants participated in the forum from the Emirati side, including
senior government officials from federal and local entities, in addition to representatives
of a number of major Emirati companies operating in various sectors, including logistics
services, industry, energy, technology, health care, environment, agriculture, food
security, and financial services.

Discussions during the forum included exploring promising opportunities in sectors
expected to achieve significant growth, with a particular focus on information and
communications technology, manufacturing, financial services, logistics, and energy.

The forum was held as part of the agenda of events organised to mark the 40th
anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the UAE.

Meanwhile, the UAE Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China Hussain bin
Ibrahim Al Hammadi has emphasised the robust and deep-rooted ties between the UAE
and China, which have grown significantly since their establishment in 1984.

These relations, strengthened under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh
Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and President Xi Jinping of China, evolved into a
comprehensive strategic partnership in 2018, covering economic, commercial, cultural,
political, and diplomatic areas.

Al Hammadi remarked, “We are entering a new era of bilateral relations. Sheikh
Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit to China holds historic significance, presenting
opportunities to further advance economic ties, support initiatives like the Belt and
Road, and enhance cooperation in key sectors such as renewable energy and
infrastructure.”

He noted that non-oil trade between the UAE and China has surged nearly 800-fold
since the start of diplomatic relations, reaching $95 billion in 2023, with aims to hit $200
billion by 2030.

Al Hammadi also highlighted the importance of educational and cultural exchanges,
strengthening communication and collaboration between the two nations. Initiatives like
the “100 Schools Project” promote Chinese language and education in the UAE,
creating a foundation for cultural exchange.

https://gulftoday.ae/business/2024/05/31/uae-china-business-and-investment-forum-explores-
prospects-for-trade