Sharjah delegation to enhance ties, forge partnerships in China

Eighteen prominent entities from Sharjah, led by the emirate’s Department of Government Relations (DGR), are set to travel to the People’s Republic of China from June 2 to 8 for a momentous official visit. The primary objectives of this delegation’s visit are to fortify bilateral relations and delve into potential collaboration opportunities across economic, cultural, tourism, healthcare, sport as well as education sectors.

Leading this delegation is Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Chairman of DGR, accompanied by heads and directors of key entities such as the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD), Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah), Sharjah International Airport, as well as Sharjah Asset Management.

The delegation will also feature representatives from various cultural, academic, scientific, health, and sports institutions, including the Sharjah Museums Authority, Sharjah Archaeology Authority, Sharjah Institute for Heritage, University of Sharjah, House of Wisdom, Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park, BEEAH Group, Rubu’ Qarn Foundation for Creating Leaders and Innovators, Sharjah Health Authority, Sharjah Women’s Sports Foundation, and Sharjah Youth.

Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi emphasised the importance of the visit, stating, “Sharjah’s engagement with China marks a major milestone in our bilateral relations, underscoring our commitment to enhancing ties in various fields such as economic, cultural, academic, health, and sports. In a time of global transformation and progression, the exchange of expertise and knowledge is paramount. Sharjah’s strategic position, coupled with its rich cultural heritage and diverse economic landscape, uniquely positions us to foster trade and cultural exchanges with China. This visit paves the way for collaboration in technology, innovation, and tourism across the various sectors represented by our delegation.”

The itinerary includes visits to Beijing, Shandong Province, and Shanghai, with each destination focusing on specific sectors and activities to foster collaboration and partnership.

Beijing: June 2-3: The delegation will commence their journey in Beijing, engaging in a two-day programme organised by DGR in collaboration with the UAE Embassy. This leg of the visit will concentrate on sectors such as science and technology, economy and trade, aviation, health, culture, tourism, and education, featuring meetings with senior government officials, visits to companies, cultural and educational institutions, as well as a tour of Beijing.

Shandong Province: June 4-5:Moving on to Shandong Province, the delegation will participate in the signing of agreements and MoUs with Chinese counterparts. The agenda, organised by DGR in partnership with the Shandong Provincial Government, will highlight investment opportunities and include visits to prominent companies in the province, focusing on business, trade, tourism, culture, and heritage sectors.

Shanghai: June 6-8: The visit will culminate in Shanghai, with a programme organised by DGR in coordination with the UAE Consulate General in Shanghai. This leg will focus on education, culture, tourism, economy, and business sectors, featuring meetings with government officials, visits to leading companies, an event at the Shanghai Museum, and a city tour.

This strategic engagement between Sharjah and China signifies a promising step towards enhanced cooperation and mutual growth, fostering lasting partnerships and cultural exchanges between the two regions.

A day earlier, Dr Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, held constructive talks with the Commerce Minister of the People’s Republic of China, Wang Wentao, over high-growth sectors on the closing day of the UAE-China Business and Investment Forum, which took place during the two-day state visit by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to the People’s Republic of China.

The ministers discussed prospects for stimulating growth in bilateral and mutual trade and investment, in addition to new horizons and areas available for investment in high-growth sectors.

Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Minister of Investment, Dr Thani, and Ling Ji, Vice Minister of Commerce, addressed the event.

During the forum, 12 agreements and memorandums of understanding were signed and exchanged between Emirati and Chinese companies and entities in a wide range of priority areas such as aluminium, communications, iron and steel, financial services, aviation, free zones, industry, and others.

Alsuwaidi highlighted China’s growing investments in the UAE, which rose 16 percent in 2023 to $1.3 billion, accounting for 60 percent of the total value of China’s investments in Arab countries.

Meanwhile, Dr. Al Zeyoudi said that UAE-China non-oil trade value, which reached $81 billion in 2023, is expected to surpass $200 billion by 2023.

More than 70 participants participated in the forum from the Emirati side, including senior government officials from federal and local entities, in addition to representatives of a number of major Emirati companies operating in various sectors, including logistics services, industry, energy, technology, health care, environment, agriculture, food security, and financial services.

Discussions during the forum included exploring promising opportunities in sectors expected to achieve significant growth, with a particular focus on information and communications technology, manufacturing, financial services, logistics, and energy.

The forum was held as part of the agenda of events organised to mark the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the UAE.