UAE Strengthens Digital Trade Ties with China

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The United Arab Emirates (UAE) recently participated in the Digital Economy International Cooperation Matchmaking Conference, which took place in Hangzhou, China. The conference was held alongside the Global Digital Trade Expo, bringing together business leaders, government representatives, and trade experts to explore opportunities for cooperation in digital trade and investment. The event aimed to strengthen international economic ties and encourage collaboration between countries and companies.

During the conference, Muhannad Sulaiman Al Naqbi, the UAE Consul-General in Shanghai, shared important information about the growing trade relationship between the UAE and China’s Zhejiang province. He mentioned that the UAE is Zhejiang province’s largest trading partner in West Asia, with bilateral trade reaching $16.75 billion in 2024. The trade relationship has continued to grow in 2025, with the first half of the year showing a 19.8 percent increase compared to the same period in the previous year, reaching $9.34 billion.

Al Naqbi highlighted a significant increase in the exports of electric vehicles from Zhejiang’s Ningbo port to the UAE. In the first half of 2025, these exports surged by nearly 273 percent, reaching 3.68 billion yuan. This made the UAE the top export market for electric vehicles from the port, showing that the country is becoming an important destination for advanced technology products.

The Consul-General also emphasized the UAE’s attractiveness as an investment destination for Zhejiang companies. He mentioned the CHNT Group, a major Chinese company, which has established a photovoltaic supply chain in the UAE. This supply chain is designed to serve not only the UAE but also the broader Middle East region, demonstrating the increasing interest of Chinese businesses in the UAE’s growing renewable energy and digital technology sectors.

Al Naqbi pointed out that the UAE is considered one of the most competitive economies in the Middle East. He explained that this is due to the country’s open economic policies, its ability to attract global talent, and the significant investment it has made in digital infrastructure and technology. These factors make it easier for international companies to establish operations, trade, and grow their businesses in the UAE.

Currently, the UAE hosts more than 16,500 Chinese trade licenses and has around 350,000 Chinese residents living in the country. This shows the strength of the relationship between the two countries and highlights the UAE’s role as a hub for international trade and investment.

The cooperation between the UAE and China is not limited to trade in goods. The UAE is also working to become a leader in digital economy initiatives. It is attracting technology companies, supporting innovation, and creating opportunities for startups, tech firms, and investors from all over the world. Collaborations between UAE and Chinese companies are helping to develop smart city projects, renewable energy systems, and e-commerce solutions.

Experts believe that this partnership benefits both sides. Zhejiang companies gain access to a stable business environment, opportunities in the Middle Eastern markets, and support for high-tech manufacturing and digital solutions. The UAE benefits from advanced technologies, increased investments, and trade that supports its economic diversification plans, which aim to reduce dependence on oil and gas.

The UAE’s approach of combining open economic policies with technology and innovation has made it a hub for international companies. Its focus on digital economy, electric vehicles, renewable energy, and modern infrastructure aligns with the country’s long-term development plans and vision for sustainable growth.

The partnership between the UAE and China is growing across multiple areas, from traditional trade to advanced technologies. This collaboration is expected to expand further, bringing more business opportunities, jobs, and new technologies to the UAE. The country is emerging as a top market for Chinese exports and a preferred destination for foreign investments, strengthening its role as a global center for trade, innovation, and digital development.

Overall, the participation of the UAE in the conference and the growth in trade numbers highlight its strategic position in global trade, especially with fast-growing regions like China. The UAE’s focus on technology, investment, and sustainable growth shows its commitment to fostering international cooperation and innovation, benefiting businesses and communities both in the UAE and around the world.