Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) is spearheading the emirate’s economic delegation to China as part of ongoing efforts to further enhance partnerships with major economies and solidify Abu Dhabi’s role as a global hub for talent, businesses, and investments.
With bilateral trade between China and the UAE expected to hit $200 billion by 2030, Abu Dhabi is reinforcing its status as a crucial gateway for Chinese investment in the Middle East and beyond. The emirate is already home to many of the 6,000 Chinese companies operating in the UAE across essential sectors, including technology, financial services, and energy.
High-level delegation comprises key officials
The high-level delegation consists of 140 senior officials and executives from both 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), ADNOC, Mubadala, KEZAD, Hub71, and prominent companies from various economic sectors.
During the visit, the Abu Dhabi economic delegation will meet senior government officials and key businesses and investors in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong to explore business opportunities and strengthen strategic relations with Chinese counterparts.
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Bilateral meetings with top government officials
The delegation, led by Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, chairman of ADDED, will engage in more than 20 bilateral meetings with top government officials, including 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.
The delegation will also meet leaders and representatives from both the public and private sectors to enhance cooperation and attract talents, businesses, and investments to grow, thrive, and expand from Abu Dhabi.
Commitment to strengthen partnerships
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 added, “Our longstanding relations with China are going from strength to strength, as reflected by the growth of bilateral trade and mutual investments over the past few years, and we are doubling down our efforts to take it to the next level by deepening cooperation and exploring new opportunities in various sectors to create more partnerships.”
“This visit and activities to be organized as part of it underscore Abu Dhabi’s commitment to enhancing collaborations with our international partners. We are eager to enable investors and businesses to benefit from ample opportunities provided by our soaring ‘Falcon Economy,’ which is harmonizing advanced technologies, sustainability, human development, and economic diversification as we accelerate the transition towards the next phase of Abu Dhabi’s development.”
Abu Dhabi Investment Forum to accelerate partnerships
To foster direct engagements between investors and key decision-makers to accelerate partnerships in next-generation industries, ADIO and ADGM will organize the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum (ADIF) in Beijing and Shanghai from February 18 to 20, 2025.
The forum will be held under the theme “Invest with Abu Dhabi,” providing Chinese investors and businesses with a platform to explore opportunities in the emirate, which is one of the fastest-growing economies in MENA.
Comprehensive agenda for ADIF
ADIF will feature a comprehensive agenda, including keynote addresses, panel discussions, and bilateral meetings from delegates representing various sectors of Abu Dhabi’s economy. These experts, including executives from institutions like ADNOC, Mubadala, HSBC, Gulf Capital, and more, will offer in-depth insights into the emirate’s investment landscape, showcasing opportunities in technology, financial services, healthcare, and trade.
Strengthening economic relations with Business Connect
The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI), in cooperation with ADGM, ADIO, and the Shanghai Federation of Industry and Commerce, will organize “Business Connect – Abu Dhabi-Shanghai” on February 19, 2025 to strengthen economic relations and partnerships between the business communities in Abu Dhabi and China.
As Abu Dhabi continues to enhance its favorable regulatory environment and world-class investment landscape, ADIF and “Business Connect – Abu Dhabi-Shanghai” provide suitable platforms for Chinese business leaders to gain firsthand insights into new opportunities, sector-driven initiatives, and strategic partnerships in the UAE capital.
