- The two presidents oversaw the signing of the agreements.
- A high-level investment cooperation committee was established.
- UAE non-oil trade with China reached USD 81 billion in 2023, up 4.2%.
- China accounts for about 12% of the UAE's non-oil trade.
What was agreed
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Chinese President Xi Jinping oversaw the signing of the agreements. Highlights include:
- Investment. A China–UAE high-level investment cooperation committee, plus agreements on investment in green development.
- Belt and Road. A cooperation plan for the Belt and Road Initiative, launched by President Xi in 2013 to link countries through infrastructure and trade.
- Tourism and culture. Closer cooperation on tourism and cultural exchange. The UAE welcomed more than one million Chinese visitors in 2023.
- Knowledge and technology. Science and technology, intellectual property, higher education and Chinese language education.
- Other areas. Media, peaceful uses of nuclear energy, recognition of seafarers' certificates, health and statistics.
The trade picture
UAE non-oil trade with China reached USD 81 billion in 2023, an increase of 4.2% on the year before. China is the UAE's top non-oil trade partner, accounting for about 12% of its trade.
What it means for shippers
Closer ties support more trade on an already busy lane. On the sea side, new services such as Emirates Shipping Line's route to Chinese ports add capacity, and ports such as Shanghai and Ningbo connect directly to Jebel Ali. For urgent cargo, see our UAE–China air freight service. Our ocean freight team can quote both directions.
