China and Dubai Deepen Economic Partnership Through Zhejiang Trade Initiative

A prominent Chinese trade leader has highlighted the flourishing commercial relationship between China and Dubai, emphasising the emirate's strategic importance as a gateway for Chinese enterprises seeking to expand across Asia, Africa and Europe.

Chen Jianzhong, Chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Zhejiang Provincial Committee and the China Chamber of International Commerce Zhejiang Chamber of Commerce, has underscored the robust economic foundations underpinning the partnership between China and Dubai, noting that China remains Dubai’s largest trading partner.

Speaking at the Dubai Business Forum in China, held in Shenzhen, Mr Chen observed that bilateral cooperation has evolved considerably beyond traditional merchandise trade. The relationship has now entered a sophisticated new phase centred upon industrial collaboration, financial connectivity and the incubation of innovative ventures.

Zhejiang Province, he explained, represents a pioneering force within China’s increasingly open economy, with particular strengths in the digital economy, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, new energy vehicles and cross-border logistics infrastructure. These sectoral capabilities align seamlessly with Dubai’s broader development ambitions, creating substantial complementarities between the two regions.

The emirate has assumed critical significance as a strategic springboard for Zhejiang enterprises wishing to penetrate Middle Eastern markets and extend their commercial reach throughout Asia, Africa and Europe. Numerous Zhejiang companies have already established operations in Dubai and deepened their collaborative efforts, generating considerable possibilities across trade, investment and related sectors.

Mr Chen emphasised Dubai’s exceptional geographical positioning, world-class infrastructure and sophisticated logistics networks, which together establish the emirate as an indispensable nexus connecting Asia, Africa and Europe. These attributes render Dubai particularly attractive for Zhejiang enterprises operating within cross-border e-commerce, advanced manufacturing and logistics, offering an ideal location for establishing regional headquarters.

The emirate’s progressive regulatory environment and continued enhancements to its business ecosystem, coupled with initiatives designed to attract international capital and technological innovation, create meaningful opportunities for technology enterprises specialising in artificial intelligence, robotics and emerging sectors. Such initiatives substantially diminish barriers to commercial establishment and localisation.

The Dubai Business Forum itself represents a sophisticated platform for dialogue, convening governments, chambers of commerce, business institutions and leading enterprises to discuss transformative topics including artificial intelligence, contemporary financial mechanisms, new energy vehicles and cross-border supply chains. Beyond macro-level discourse, the forum facilitates practical implementation through business matchmaking, compliance advisory services and market-entry guidance.

Mr Chen affirmed that the Zhejiang Provincial Committee would leverage the forum as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation with Dubai Chambers and support additional Zhejiang enterprises in their international expansion endeavours. Through the comprehensive Zhejiang Goes Global service system, the committee will provide enterprises with extensive support encompassing policy guidance, commercial certification, compliance counselling and commercial mediation.

Source: WAM