Speaking at the China (Shanghai)-UAE Industry and Investment Conference on 7th January in Shanghai, Mohammad Alhawi, the Undersecretary of UAE Ministry of Investment, said that the UAE, with its unique strategic location, first-class infrastructure and favorable business environment, is the gateway for China to develop trade and investment with the Arab region. China and the UAE share a common vision, and look forward to strengthening practical cooperation to achieve common development.

A number of UAE economic indicators reached new highs last year, with foreign trade totalling $760 billion, foreign investment amounting to $35 billion, industrial exports recording $51 billion, and 150 million tourists stopping over in the country, said Mohammad Alhawi. Over the past 40 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the UAE, investment cooperation between the two sides has made great progress. According to statistics from the UAE, Chinese investment in the country grew by 16% to $1.3 billion in 2023, accounting for 60% of China's total investment in Arab countries. From 2003 to 2023, the UAE's investment in China reached a cumulative total of $11.9 billion. The Undersecretary stressed that China and the UAE share a common vision and look forward to strengthening exchanges and cooperation to achieve better common development.

At the event, speeches were delivered by Muhannad Alnaqbi, Consul General of the UAE in Shanghai, Xu Xin, Deputy District Mayor of Shanghai Pudong New Area, and Gu Wei, President of Wuxi Guolian Group and Chairman of Minsheng Securities. Heads from the UAE Ministry of Investment, Ministry of Economy, UAE Development Bank, major economic zones in the UAE, Dubai Chamber of Commerce, China Innovation Centre in UAE (CIC) and other UAE institutions shared their views at different sessions of the conference. Qiaoyin City Management Co., Ltd. and THi Group signed a cooperation agreement to jointly develop an industrial park in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah.

The event was co-organised by the UAE Ministry of Investment and Minsheng Securities, and hosted by CIC.