The UAE and the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China are to explore opportunities for enhancing bilateral economic cooperation in sectors of mutual interest.
New economy, entrepreneurship, air transport, advanced industries, renewable energy, e-commerce, logistics services, and tourism are among the sectors which could see increased bilateral cooperation.
Strengthening UAE-Guangxi economic ties
This was decided at a meeting between Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, and Lan Tianli, Governor of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, on Monday.
The meeting also explored opportunities for strengthening public-private partnerships between the two countries, particularly in digital trade, smart manufacturing, advanced technologies, and infrastructure investment.
Discussions between the two also covered the potential to expand cooperation in food security, sustainable agriculture, free zones, tourism, air transport, and smart cities.
Al Marri said the UAE is committed to strengthen collaboration with the Guangxi region in vital sectors as the economic relations between the UAE and China serve as a successful model of strategic partnerships based on diversity and innovation.
The Minister also highlighted the importance of continuing to explore new investment and development opportunities that contribute to the sustainable development of both economies.
Pointing out that the UAE serves as a strategic gateway to the Middle East and African markets, Al Marri said the country’s comprehensive economic ecosystem empowers its partners, including Guangxi Zhuang, to expand to new markets, facilitating the flow of their exports and overseas investments.
The Chinese side welcomed the prospect of expanding economic cooperation with the UAE and developing new mechanisms for knowledge exchange in areas such as technology, logistics services, and port services.
Both sides also emphasised the importance of the continued exchange of delegations and participation in economic exhibitions and events, recognizing these platforms as key to enhancing partnerships between their business communities and identifying new investment opportunities.
China is the UAE’s top global trading partner, accounting for a significant share of the country’s non-oil trade.
The Emirates is currently home to over 15,000 Chinese companies operating across diverse sectors, reflecting the growing confidence of the Chinese business community in the country’s business environment.
The bilateral trade between the UAE and Guangxi reached $969 million in 2024, driven by a remarkable growth in cooperation between free zones on both sides.