Abu Dhabi: His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, attended the inaugural meeting of the UAE-China Investment Cooperation Committee. The virtual meeting was graced by senior officials from both nations.
According to Emirates News Agency, H.H. Sheikh Mansour conveyed President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's greetings to President Xi Jinping of China, along with wishes for the prosperity and growth of bilateral ties. He also congratulated the Chinese on the occasion of the Chinese New Year. H.H. Sheikh Mansour emphasized the meeting's significance as a milestone in the strategic relations between the UAE and China, highlighting cooperation in economy, investment, energy, and technology.
H.H. Sheikh Mansour noted that 2024 marks the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. He reported that bilateral trade surged to US$102 billion in 2024, a 7% increase from the previous year, illustrating strengthening economic ties. He commended China's commitment to enhancing its partnership with the UAE.
The meeting included the renewal of the UAE-China Joint Investment Fund, launched in 2012, which has been crucial for investment projects across key sectors. New agreements were also signed, focusing on energy, advanced industry, digital economy, and emerging technologies.
The General Secretariat of the UAE-China Investment Cooperation Committee provided updates on progress from both sides. Presentations were given by committee members and institutional representatives, reviewing developments in key investment and cooperation sectors.
In his closing remarks, H.H. Sheikh Mansour reiterated the UAE's dedication to its strategic partnership with China, support for the ''Belt and Road'' Initiative, and the aim to increase bilateral trade to US$200 billion by 2030, with a focus on energy sector collaboration for energy security and sustainability.
The meeting was attended by several UAE officials, including Mohamed Hassan Al Suwaidi, Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, and Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak. The Chinese delegation featured Zhao Chenxin, Liu Bin, Xuan Changneng, Li Ming, Zhang Qingsong, Tan Jiong, and other high-ranking officials.