Opportunities for strengthening economic ties between the UAE and China were the focus of talks during a two-day visit to China by UAE Minister of state, H.E. Dr. Sultan Al Jaber. The visit is expected to lay the groundwork for increased economic activity between UAE and China which is growing at more than 14 per cent annually. Discussions explored opportunities for collaboration and investment across sectors of mutual interest, including energy, infrastructure and technology.
During the visit, Al Jaber met with senior Chinese government officials, including the Vice Foreign Minister of China, Zhang Yesui. Talks were also held with Hu Zucai, vice chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) as well as the Chief Economic Officer of China’s State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE).
Commenting on his visit to Beijing, Dr Al Jaber said: “China and UAE have a strong and growing bilateral relationship based on shared values and common political and economic interests. We are exploring opportunities to collaborate across various sectors of mutual interest including, new and traditional energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, technology and finance.” Trade between UAE and China topped Dh 169.67 billion (US $46.23 billion) in 2013, compared to Dh 148.27 billion (US $40.4 billion) in 2012. With 4,200 Chinese companies registered in UAE, the Emirates are the largest Middle East market for Chinese products.
