During a recent six-day visit to China, the Abu Dhabi economic delegation, led by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), signed several agreements aimed at enhancing cooperation between Abu Dhabi and various Chinese government entities and private sector companies. This visit underscored Abu Dhabi's firm commitment to building and strengthening partnerships with leading global economies and trading partners.
One of the significant outcomes of the trip was the strategic cooperation agreement established between the Abu Dhabi Government and the Shanghai Municipal People's Government. This agreement encompasses diverse areas such as business, trade, finance, science, technology, education, culture, health, tourism, and port operations. The Foreign Affairs Office of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government along with ADDED will spearhead efforts toward achieving the objectives of this comprehensive agreement, which aligns with the communiqués issued by the leaderships of the People’s Republic of China and the UAE.
Throughout their time in China, the Abu Dhabi delegation engaged actively with government officials, key business leaders, and investors across major cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong. High-profile meetings took place with influential figures such as Chen Jining, Member of the Politburo of the Chinese Communist Party and Party Secretary of Shanghai, as well as Yin Yong, the Mayor of Beijing, and John Lee, Chief Executive of Hong Kong.
Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADDED, expressed optimism about the visit’s outcomes, stating, “We are pleased with the outcomes of our visit to China, building on strong foundations to explore new opportunities.” He highlighted the growth of bilateral trade, noting, “The steady and impressive growth of bilateral trade and mutual investments between the UAE and China is a... based on mutual trust, collaboration, and a common vision to address global economy’s challenges.”
Economic ties between the UAE and China have witnessed remarkable growth over the years; bilateral trade rocketed from merely US$2 billion (AED7.4 billion) back in 2000 to nearly US$100 billion (AED367 billion) by 2023. The figures reflect the strengthening economic relationship as it relates to investment—a return of 16% growth for Chinese investments within the UAE and a jaw-dropping 120% increase of UAE investments flowing toward China. The surge is significant, with registrations of Chinese companies at the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry increasing by 38% in 2023, reaching 69.4% growth within 2024.
Senior officials from various sectors such as the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), Abu Dhabi Customs, and the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce participated actively during the delegation’s meetings and events organized as part of this strategic outreach to China. The Abu Dhabi Investment Forum (ADIF) was another highlight, organized by ADIO and ADGM, attracting Chinese investors eager to explore lucrative opportunities within the emirate's favorable business ecosystem.
During the visit, ADIO and ADGM inked agreements with notable Chinese enterprises, which included collaborations with Fosun International Limited—a global group focused on innovation-driven consumer markets, as well as Hejun Group, one of China’s leading consulting firms. The partnerships aim to promote Abu Dhabi’s investment opportunities to top Chinese businesses, bolster investment intelligence, and support these enterprises' international expansion efforts.
On the ground, the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) signed a strategic cooperation agreement with the Shanghai Federation of Industry and Commerce to facilitate bilateral trade and investment collaboration—streamlining the support for Chinese companies aiming to establish or expand their presence within Abu Dhabi.
The Abu Dhabi-Shanghai Business Forum, also organized by ADCCI, served as the perfect platform for facilitating connections and agreements among businesses from China and the UAE through strategic B2B meetings.
This visit highlights Abu Dhabi’s proactive approach to fostering international relationships and capitalizing on the opportunities presented through global economic dynamics. The partnerships established signify not just immediate benefits but also pave the way for long-term collaboration between the UAE and Chinese markets, which are poised to thrive together amid the shifting landscapes of the international economy.