The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce (SCOFCOM) have signed a strategic partnership agreement that will enhance bilateral cooperation in trade and investment across a range of sectors.
The two organisations will collaborate across sectors, including finance, science, technology, education, culture, healthcare, tourism and port affairs. The partnership will also drive high-level government engagements, along with the exchange of business delegations and cross-industry cooperation.
Abu Dhabi-Shanghai strategic partnership
Shanghai is China’s economic powerhouse, contributing over 3.5 per cent (approximately $700 billion in 2024) of the country’s total GDP. It is home to over 900 multinational headquarters and ranks among the world’s top three financial centres, alongside New York and London. The city also houses the world’s busiest container port, handling over 49 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) annually, and plays a pivotal role in international trade and technology innovation.
Abu Dhabi, with its strategic location, business-friendly policies and pioneering regulatory environment, is an ideal hub for Chinese enterprises and investors seeking expansion in the region. By partnering with SCOFCOM, ADIO has strengthened ties between two of the world’s most dynamic economic centres, opening new avenues for cross-border investment and enterprise growth.
Badr Al-Olama, Director General of ADIO, commented: “Abu Dhabi continues to strengthen its partnerships in key global markets, reinforcing its position as a strategic partner for businesses and investors worldwide.
“Our partnership with SCOFCOM represents a powerful alignment of two major economic hubs, opening new pathways for cross-border trade, investment and cooperation. This collaboration demonstrates our commitment to fostering deeper ties with Shanghai, while creating lasting value for businesses in both economies.”
Zhu Ming, Director General of SCOFCOM, added: “Strengthening cooperation with Abu Dhabi provides a powerful platform for enterprises and investors from both sides to access new markets and drive innovation. Our partnership with ADIO will accelerate trade, investment and technology exchange, reinforcing the economic collaboration between China and the UAE.”
The agreement, signed during the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum (ADIF) in Shanghai recently, highlights the UAE capital’s expanding economic engagement with China, exemplified by ADIO’s focus on facilitating investment between the two markets. Under the theme ‘Invest with Abu Dhabi’, the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum in Shanghai convened top Chinese CEOs, investors and financial leaders to explore strategic investment opportunities in one of the Middle East’s fastest-growing economies.
ADIO is the government vehicle responsible for accelerating Abu Dhabi’s growth and enabling the emirate’s economic transformation. Through comprehensive support services, ADIO enables both local and foreign investors to shape industries of the future set to transform liveability, technology, resources, and value-added services.
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