Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) is spearheading the emirate's economic delegation to China to strengthen partnerships with leading economies and enhance Abu Dhabi's status as a global hub for talent, businesses, and investments. With bilateral trade between China and the UAE expected to reach $200 billion by 2030, Abu Dhabi is positioning itself as a crucial gateway for Chinese investments in the Middle East and beyond. The emirate currently hosts numerous Chinese companies across key sectors such as technology, financial services, and energy.
According to Emirates News Agency, the high-level delegation consists of 140 senior officials and executives from both the government and private sector, including representatives from Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), Abu Dhabi Customs, Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI), ADNOC, Mubadala, KEZAD, Hub71, and major companies from different economic sectors. During their visit, the delegation will meet with senior government officials and key business leaders in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong to explore business opportunities and foster strategic relations.
The delegation, led by Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADDED, will participate in more than 20 bilateral meetings with top government officials such as Chen Jining, Member of the Politburo of the Chinese Communist Party and Party Secretary of Shanghai, Yin Yong, Mayor of Beijing, Gong Zheng, Mayor of Shanghai, and John Lee, Chief Executive of Hong Kong. They will also engage with leaders from both public and private sectors to enhance cooperation and attract talents, businesses, and investments to Abu Dhabi.
Al Zaabi stated, "A rising economic powerhouse, Abu Dhabi continues to build and strengthen partnerships with leading economies and top trading partners, contributing positively to international efforts to address giga trends and transformations impacting all geographies and industries to ensure a brighter future for our people and the entire humanity." He emphasized the growing relations with China and the commitment to explore new opportunities in various sectors to create more partnerships.
To facilitate direct engagements between investors and key decision-makers, ADIO and ADGM will organize the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum (ADIF) in Beijing and Shanghai from 18th to 20th February 2025. The forum, themed "Invest with Abu Dhabi," will provide Chinese investors and businesses a platform to explore opportunities in one of the fastest-growing economies in the MENA region. ADIF will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, and bilateral meetings from delegates representing various sectors of Abu Dhabi's economy.
Additionally, the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI), in collaboration with ADGM, ADIO, and the Shanghai Federation of Industry and Commerce, will organize "Business Connect - Abu Dhabi-Shanghai" on 19th February 2025 to strengthen economic relations between the business communities in Abu Dhabi and China. These initiatives offer Chinese business leaders insights into new opportunities, sector-driven initiatives, and strategic partnerships in the UAE capital.