UAE, China strengthen trade and women-led business ties

A high-level economic delegation comprising 15 leading women entrepreneurs from the People’s Republic of China has concluded its extensive two-week official visit to the United Arab Emirates, jointly organised by the General Women’s Union (GWU) and the UAE Embassy in Beijing.

Noura Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General of the General Women’s Union, affirmed that the successful visit by the Chinese women entrepreneurs’ delegation reflects the depth of the distinguished strategic partnership between the United Arab Emirates and the friendly People’s Republic of China.

Noura Al Suwaidi added that the GWU’s commitment to organising this comprehensive tour, under the directives of His Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, the “Mother of the Nation”, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, embodies the national vision of empowering women and strengthening their leadership and economic presence internationally.

Al Suwaidi explained that the fruitful meetings and field visits across the various emirates established a strong platform for building frameworks for sustainable cooperation and economic partnerships that contribute to supporting development and innovation in the two friendly countries.

The delegation was of notable economic significance, representing companies and business groups with total declared annual revenues of around 4.85 billion yuan. Their activities span industry, hospitality, food and food security, biotechnology, infrastructure, new energy, smart lighting and investment services.

These visits underscore the commitment of both sides to building sustainable strategic partnerships and consolidating women’s leadership role in advancing comprehensive economic development between the two friendly countries.

Meanwhile Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), in cooperation with the General Women’s Union (GWU) and the UAE Embassy in the People’s Republic of China, hosted the Sharjah-China Businesswomen Forum at its headquarters in Sharjah.

The forum aimed to strengthen communication and cooperation between women entrepreneurs in Sharjah and China and showcase trade and investment opportunities and competitive advantages available in both markets. It also facilitated the exchange of expertise and business experiences, with a focus on expanding economic partnerships and developing high-value investment relationships that support the growth of women-led enterprises.

The forum was attended by Halima Humaid Ali Al Owais, Board Member of SCCI; Counselor Amna Alhammadi, Deputy Chief of Mission at the UAE Embassy in Beijing and Chairwoman of the UAE-China Women Entrepreneurs Council; and Abdul Aziz Al Shamsi, Assistant Director-General for Communication and Business Sector at SCCI. The event also brought together 15 Chinese women entrepreneurs, along with representatives of leading companies, investment entities, and economic institutions from both sides.

The Sharjah-China Businesswomen Forum forms part of an expanded investment programme for the Chinese delegation, which includes visits to several emirates across the UAE.

The programme seeks to identify trade and investment opportunities, explore new avenues for cooperation, gain insights into the UAE’s business environment and investment landscape, and develop sustainable economic partnerships between businesses and investors in the UAE and China.

The forum featured discussions on Sharjah–China economic partnership, opportunities for women entrepreneurs to expand their businesses, and ways to capitalise on available trade opportunities and develop women-led enterprises within global value chains. Discussions also addressed advancing innovation and increasing investment in technology and other high-potential sectors.

During the forum, businesswomen and representatives of companies and institutions from both sides also held one-to-one B2B meetings, exploring potential partnerships in the sectors highlighted at the forum, as well as prospects for business deals, joint ventures, and future exchanges of economic visits and trade delegations.

Abdul Aziz Al Shamsi said the Sharjah-China Businesswomen Forum further strengthens the economic ties between the UAE and China, against the backdrop of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two friendly countries.

He noted that China is the UAE’s largest trading partner globally, accounting for around 11% of the UAE’s total non-oil trade, and ranks first in imports and 11th in non-oil exports. He affirmed that the forum created a valuable platform for establishing deep economic and business connections between Sharjah and China.

Al Shamsi highlighted the role of women as active contributors to economic development, noting that building direct connections between businesswomen in Sharjah and their Chinese counterparts can help turn opportunities into tangible projects, commercial ventures, and strategic partnerships.

WAM