Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Government Relations (DGR) in Sharjah, discussed ways to enhance trade and cultural exchange, foster relationships and partnerships between business communities across various sectors, and promote scientific and intellectual exchange between cultural institutions, with a high-level Chinese diplomatic delegation headed by Li Xuhang, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China.

The Chinese delegation included Chu Tianya, Consul of the People’s Republic of China, and Chao – Director of the Consular Section. The meeting also included representatives from DGR, including Ali Almahyan, senior executive international relations and Hamda AlZarouni, senior executive government communication.

During the meeting, Sheikh Fahim highlighted DGR’s strategy and mission to strengthen relations with business communities, culture, and science sectors, with Asian countries in general and China in particular. The Chairman stressed that China has a distinctive and comprehensive development experience that interconnects with many aspects of Sharjah’s expertise, especially in capacity building, nurturing talents and capabilities, and investment in science, technology, innovation, heritage, culture, and national identity.

Sheikh Fahim said, “DGR looks forward to further cooperation with our Chinese counterparts to facilitate investment, establish businesses, and identify opportunities generated by the diversity and innovation that have led to many successes and achievements in Sharjah’s economy.”

The Chairman further highlighted the role of the Chinese Centre for Cultural Exchange, affiliated with the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, in strengthening cultural relations, promoting the Chinese language and its literary and intellectual products, and introducing the Arab audience to the ancient Chinese civilisation. He also discussed investment opportunities and the establishment of businesses in the education, media, research, and technology sectors, in addition to highlighting the emirate’s free zones in general and Shams Media City in particular.

For his part, Li Xuhang, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China, hailed Sharjah’s economic and cultural climate and expressed the Chinese interest in expanding relations to serve the goals of both parties. He noted that a large number of Chinese students are completing their education at the University of Sharjah and Al Qasimia University, which serves as a testament to China’s interest in Arab culture and heritage.

The Consul General noted that China is interested in investment opportunities in Sharjah’s economy and markets due to the emirate’s advanced investment climate, logistics services, and access to regional markets.

The business, cultural, and scientific communities of Sharjah and China have long-standing and fruitful relations. The emirate hosted the “Belt and Road Forum between Sharjah and China” in 2019. In terms of cultural exchange, the Chinese Cultural Centre, affiliated with the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, was inaugurated. In 2023, the University of Sharjah and the China University of Political Science and Law signed an MoU to advance scientific and cultural exchange between the two countries.