Abu Dhabi seeks to boost investments with China as bilateral trade projected to reach $200 billion by 2030

The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) is leading a UAE economic delegation on a visit to China, aiming to further strengthen cooperation with major economies and consolidate Abu Dhabi's position as a global hub for talent, businesses, and investment. This visit is part of Abu Dhabi's ongoing efforts to deepen its economic ties with China and foster mutual growth.

Bilateral trade between China and the UAE is projected to reach $200 billion by 2030. Abu Dhabi is actively solidifying its role as a key gateway for Chinese investment in the Middle East and beyond. Currently, 6,000 Chinese companies operate in the UAE, with businesses spanning key sectors such as technology, financial services, and energy. Abu Dhabi is committed to providing a favorable environment for these businesses to thrive and expand their operations.

The high-level delegation comprises 140 senior officials and executives from the government and private sectors, including Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), Abu Dhabi Customs, Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI), Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), Mubadala Investment Company, Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD), Hub71, and prominent companies from various economic fields. The delegation will meet with senior government officials and key businesses and investors in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong to explore business opportunities and strengthen strategic relationships with their Chinese counterparts.

Led by Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, the delegation will hold over 20 bilateral meetings with senior government officials, including Chen Jining, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Secretary of the Shanghai Municipal Party Committee, Yin Yong, Mayor of Beijing, Gong Zheng, Mayor of Shanghai, and John Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The delegation will also meet with leaders and representatives from the public and private sectors to strengthen cooperation and attract talent, businesses, and investment, thereby achieving growth, prosperity, and expansion in Abu Dhabi.

Al Zaabi stated, "As an emerging economic powerhouse, Abu Dhabi will continue to build and strengthen partnerships with leading economies and key trading partners, actively contributing to the international community's efforts to address the major trends and transformations impacting all regions and industries, to ensure a brighter future for our people and all of humanity." He added, "We have a long-standing and strong relationship with China, which is reflected in the growth of bilateral trade and mutual investment over the past few years. We will redouble our efforts to elevate cooperation to new levels by deepening collaboration and exploring new opportunities in various fields, thereby creating more partnerships."

To facilitate direct interaction between investors and key decision-makers and accelerate cooperation in next-generation industries, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) will host the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum (ADIF) in Beijing and Shanghai from February 18-20, 2025. The forum, themed "Investing Together with Abu Dhabi," will provide a platform for Chinese investors and businesses to explore investment opportunities in the UAE, one of the fastest-growing economies in the Middle East and North Africa region, offering significant potential for collaboration and growth.

The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI), in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), and the Shanghai Federation of Industry and Commerce, will host the "Business Connect – Abu Dhabi-Shanghai" event on February 19, 2025, to strengthen economic relations and partnerships between the business communities of Abu Dhabi and China. As Abu Dhabi continues to improve its favorable regulatory environment and world-class investment climate, the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum (ADIF) and the "Business Connect – Abu Dhabi-Shanghai" event provide a suitable platform for Chinese business leaders to learn firsthand about the new opportunities, industry-driven initiatives, and strategic partnerships in the UAE capital, paving the way for increased collaboration and mutual prosperity.