The UAE has reaffirmed its position as China’s primary economic and logistics gateway to the Middle East during high-level participation at the 19th Asian Financial Forum and Global Business Summit in Hong Kong, underscoring deepening trade ties and expanding cooperation across new-economy sectors.
Led by the Ministry of Finance, the UAE delegation was headed by Younis Haji AlKhoori, Under-Secretary of the Ministry, who took part in key plenary sessions and strategic discussions at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. AlKhoori participated in a session focused on supporting Chinese mainland enterprises going global, highlighting Hong Kong’s role in cross-border financing and the UAE’s value as a regional launchpad for international expansion.
In his remarks, AlKhoori said UAE-China relations are anchored in a comprehensive strategic partnership built on political trust, open trade, and shared ambitions in innovation and growth. He noted that China remains the UAE’s largest trading partner, while the UAE serves as China’s main economic and logistics hub in the region.
Non-oil trade between the two countries reached around $90 billion in 2024, with trade in the first half of 2025 nearing $50 billion, reflecting year-on-year growth of 15.6 percent. AlKhoori said this momentum is the result of sustained investment in infrastructure, regulatory reform, and resilient supply chains.
He highlighted the UAE’s appeal to Chinese companies seeking access to markets across the GCC, the wider Middle East, North Africa, and East Africa, reaching more than 400 million consumers. More than 14,500 Chinese business licences have been issued in the UAE across sectors including logistics, technology, energy, manufacturing, and e-commerce.
On the sidelines of the forum, AlKhoori held meetings with senior Hong Kong officials to advance cooperation, including preparations for a high-level business delegation visit to the UAE and discussions on potential public-private partnership projects.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
