Shanghai: Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry announced on Thursday evening that it will open its first office in China.
The announcement by Hisham Abdullah Al Shirawi, Vice-Chairman, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry came during a 3-day event organised in China to promote trade and investment relations between Dubai and China under the title of “Dubai Week in China”.
Dubai businesses entity, which expanded its network through opening several new representative offices in Africa and Asia, is opening its “newest representative office in Shanghai, our first in China”.
“I encourage you all to contact with us through our new office in Shanghai. Our door is always open to you and I hope we can build on to the strong trade relationship we already enjoy.”
China is a “country we are constantly monitoring for new trade and investment opportunities,” he said.
The UAE’s efforts to improve relations with China and Southeast Asia will fall in line in line with its “ambitious strategy to boost trade and diversify its economy under its vision 2021,” Shirawi added.
He also referred to China’s “One Belt, One Road” initiative, and said Dubai “is a key point on this route as it serves as a gateway for Chinese companies to easily access markets in Africa.
The Chinese initiative is a strategic initiative to increase investment and foster collaboration across the historic Silk Road.
Currently, there are a total of 1,774 Chinese companies registered with Dubai Chamber, and “we hope to see this number grow through our efforts and events like Dubai week. Increasing number of Chinese companies are now investing in Dubai’s real estate and manufacturing sectors,” he added.
Al Shirawi also announced that Chinese tourists to the UAE, “will now be granted visas on arrival, which is good news for leisure and business tourism. Last year, 450,000 Chinese visitors travelled to Dubai and we expect this number to row as a result of a such a measure”.
