Strengthening Ties: UAE and China’s $100 Billion Trade Ambitions

Overview of UAE-China Relations

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and China are embarking on an ambitious journey to bolster their economic relationship, aiming for trade ties exceeding $100 billion. This initiative reflects a shared commitment to enhancing bilateral relations and fostering economic collaboration across various sectors.

Key Figures in the Partnership

Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, who serves as the UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and is also the Group CEO of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), recently undertook a significant visit to China. During this high-level working trip, Dr. Al Jaber engaged in discussions that are expected to deepen ties between the two nations, particularly in energy, renewable resources, and industrial development.

The Rise of Bilateral Trade

As of 2024, China stands as the UAE’s largest global trading partner. The bilateral trade volume has already surpassed an impressive $100 billion, marking a 7% increase from the previous year. This growth is primarily attributed to an 18% rise in imports, showcasing the robust demand for goods between the two countries.

Non-Oil Trade Surge

In the first quarter of 2025, the UAE experienced a notable 18% year-on-year surge in non-oil trade. This increase can be dissected into several contributing factors:

• Exports: There was a remarkable 32.5% growth in exports, signaling the UAE’s expanding market reach.
• Re-Exports: Re-exports, vital for diversifying economic activities, increased by 20.2%.
• Imports: A steady 12.7% rise in imports reflects strong consumer demand and economic stability.

Strategic Meetings and Collaborations

During his visit, Dr. Al Jaber met with influential Chinese officials, including Lan Fo’an, China’s Minister of Finance; Liu Jianchao, the Head of the CPC’s International Department; and Zou Jiayi, the President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). These meetings were pivotal in focusing on enhancing the UAE-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, a framework intended to fortify economic ties and promote sustainable growth.

Engagement with Major Corporations

Dr. Al Jaber also met executives from leading Chinese firms, discussing collaborative opportunities in various sectors. Key players in attendance included:

• China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC)
• ZhenHua Oil
• China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC)
• China Investment Corporation (CIC)
• Wanhua (Chemicals)
• Envision (Renewables and Smart Energy)
• China Energy Engineering Corporation (CEEC)
• POWERCHINA International

These discussions centered on sectors such as oil and gas, liquefied natural gas (LNG), refining, petrochemicals, renewable energy, and strategic infrastructure projects. The focus was not only on collaboration but also on driving industrial investment and supporting the transition to cleaner energy solutions.

Commitment to Local Empowerment

Dr. Al Jaber emphasized the UAE’s commitment to empowering national companies while fostering robust public-private partnerships between the UAE and China. This approach aims to ensure that both nations benefit mutually from these economic endeavors.

By cultivating these relationships and focusing on sustainable development, the UAE and China are positioning themselves as strong allies in the global economic landscape. As the two countries work together to meet their ambitious trade goals, the partnership is expected to bring significant advancements in technology, energy, and industry, making it a pivotal collaboration in the years to come.