UAE and China Deepen Economic Ties at AIM Congress 2025
Abu Dhabi, UAE – The United Arab Emirates and the People’s Republic of China have reaffirmed their strategic economic partnership during the “Invest in China: Guangxi” session, held as part of the Annual Investment Meeting (AIM) Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi. The session focused on unlocking new opportunities across trade, investment, and emerging sectors of the new economy.
Organised in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Government of Guangxi, China, the high-level event brought together senior government officials, influential business leaders, and global investors. The session aimed to advance bilateral cooperation and attract new investments through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Strategic UAE-China Economic Partnership
H.E. Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy, highlighted the depth of UAE-China relations, calling them a model for innovative and diverse economic partnerships. He emphasized the UAE’s continued commitment to strengthening trade and investment ties with China, noting Guangxi’s rising potential as a gateway to Southeast Asia.
Bin Touq also stressed the growing importance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UAE-China partnership, citing the presence of more than 15,500 Chinese companies operating across the UAE’s free zones and advanced industrial hubs.
Guangxi’s Role in Regional Economic Integration
Lan Tianli, Governor of the People’s Government of Guangxi, praised the UAE’s role in promoting global economic collaboration. He positioned Guangxi as a key node in regional connectivity, with strategic access to Southeast Asia, and reiterated the region’s commitment to deepening cooperation in trade, infrastructure, and sustainable development.
Public-Private Sector Collaboration
Khaled Al Fahim, Board Member of the Abu Dhabi Chamber, reaffirmed the UAE’s readiness to build stronger trade and investment bridges with Guangxi. Hussain Ibrahim Al Hammadi, UAE Ambassador to China, further encouraged businesses from both countries to capitalise on emerging opportunities aligned with shared sustainability goals.
Zhao Liang, Chargé d’Affaires at the Chinese Embassy in the UAE, and Raad Al-Saady, Second Vice Chairman and Managing Director of ACWA Power, echoed the strength of the UAE-China alliance, particularly in infrastructure and energy under the Belt and Road Initiative.
Institutional Support and Strategic Agreements
The event featured presentations by key entities such as the World Free Zones Organization (World FZO), the Guangxi Pilot Free Trade Zone, Beibu Gulf Port Group, and Gargash Motors, showcasing Guangxi’s growing trade capacity and global integration.
Dr. Samir Hamrouni, CEO of World FZO, announced the inclusion of the Guangxi Pilot Free Trade Zone in the organisation’s global network. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed to enhance collaboration in trade facilitation, research, and innovation.
Strengthening UAE-China Bilateral Growth
The “Invest in China: Guangxi” session marked a significant milestone in UAE-China relations, reinforcing both nations’ shared commitment to sustainable economic growth, innovation, and regional connectivity. As both countries pursue mutual development through strategic initiatives, the partnership continues to evolve into one of the most dynamic bilateral relationships in the global economic landscape.