The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) is currently leading a high-level delegation of 140 government and business leaders on an official visit to China. The visit, which commenced on Feb. 17, aims to further strengthen partnership with a leading economy and cement Abu Dhabi's stature as a global magnet for talent, businesses and investment.

The delegation is meeting with senior government officials, key businesses and investors in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Hong Kong to explore business opportunities and foster strategic relations with their Chinese counterparts.

During the visit, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office and the Abu Dhabi Global Market hosted the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum (ADIF) in Beijing on Feb. 18 under the theme "Invest with Abu Dhabi." Meanwhile, an additional session of the forum will be held in Shanghai on Feb. 20.

The ADIF features a comprehensive agenda, including keynote addresses, panel discussions and bilateral meetings with delegates representing various sectors of Abu Dhabi's economy. Industry experts, including executives from institutions such as Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, Mubadala, HSBC and Gulf Capital, provided in-depth insights into the emirate's investment landscape, showcasing opportunities in technology, financial services, health care and trade.

Additionally, the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in collaboration with the Shanghai Federation of Industry and Commerce, held the Business Connect-Abu Dhabi-Shanghai in Shanghai on Feb. 19. The event focused on strengthening economic relations and partnerships between the business communities in Abu Dhabi and China.

Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, chairman of ADDED, said: "Our longstanding relations with China are going from strength to strength, as reflected by the growth of bilateral trade and mutual investments over the past few years, and we are doubling down our efforts to take it to the next level by deepening cooperation and exploring new opportunities in various sectors to create more partnerships."

He added: "We are eager to enable investors and businesses to benefit from ample opportunities provided by our soaring 'Falcon Economy,' which is harmonizing between advanced technologies, sustainability, human development and economic diversification as we accelerate the transition towards the next phase of Abu Dhabi’s development."

According to the data from ADDED, bilateral trade between China and the United Arab Emirates is projected to reach $200 billion by 2030. Abu Dhabi is already home to many of the over 6,000 Chinese companies operating in UAE’s key sectors including technology, financial services and energy. As such, the emirate continues to reinforce its position as the main gateway for Chinese investment in the Middle East and beyond.