The inauguration ceremony of the United Arab Emirates Pavilion at 2024 CIFTIS, Beijing, Sept. 13, 2024. [Photo provided to China.org.cn] 

At the 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS), currently underway in Beijing, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) aims to explore new cooperation opportunities and celebrate four decades of prosperous relations with China.

CIFTIS is the largest global exhibition of its kind in the world, and the event serves as a key platform to accelerate global trade, enhance international commercial and economic cooperation, and strengthen trade and economic relations.

The UAE's participation included the inauguration of its national pavilion, attended by Khaled Al Shehhi, charge d'affaires at the UAE Embassy in Beijing; Abdulrahman Al Muaini, assistant undersecretary for Intellectual Property at the Ministry of Economy; Guo Huaigang, chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Beijing; the UAE Delegation; as well as leaders from departments in Beijing, alongside representatives from relevant institutions and enterprises. 

On the sideline of CIFTIS, during the UAE-Beijing Economic Forum under the theme "Forty Years of Prosperity," Al Shehhi, said, "This event represents an important platform to deepen our bilateral relations and explore new areas of cooperation. The UAE remains committed to working closely with China to strengthen our shared economic interests and solidify the cultural and social ties between our peoples. We are confident that this partnership will continue to grow and thrive, bringing more progress and prosperity to both nations."

Khaled Al Shehhi, chargé d'affaires of the UAE Embassy in Beijing, speaks at the UAE-Beijing Economic Forum, Sept. 13, 2024. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

The forum attracted more than 120 participants from various industries, along with experts and prominent figures who delivered keynote speeches during the event.

He added, "As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the UAE and the People's Republic of China this year, our participation in the CIFTIS reaffirms our deep commitment to developing strong and sustainable economic partnerships. Our national pavilion reflects the UAE's ambition to enhance its role as a bridge for international cooperation, showcasing our capabilities in key sectors and seeking to develop new commercial relationships that contribute to mutual prosperity."

The UAE Pavilion features a wide variety of sectors, including business, communications, manufacturing, finance, aviation, culture and tourism, reflecting the dynamic and diverse nature of the country's economy. Notable participants include the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development and Tourism, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, Al Foah, Halawa, Emirates Airline, Etihad Airways, Yahsat, Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), Borouge, Mubadala and First Abu Dhabi Bank.

The UAE's participation in CIFTIS underscores its commitment to strengthening international trade relations and highlights its strong and growing partnership with China, which is the UAE's largest trading partner globally.

The UAE and China have continued to expand their cooperation within the framework of their comprehensive strategic partnership. The UAE is now China's largest non-oil trading partner in the Middle East and North Africa region, with non-oil trade reaching $82 billion in 2023. The trade volume has grown approximately 800-fold since diplomatic relations were established, with the goal of reaching $200 billion by 2030.

Another indication of the strong and thriving partnership between the two countries is the high degree of bilateral investment. At present, the UAE accounts for 47.7% of China's total investments in the Arab world, while UAE investments represent 33% of total Arab investments in China.

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