Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates, held its first promotional meeting for the first China International Import Expo 2018 on May 6, co-organized by the Chinese embassy’s Economic and Commercial Counsellor’s Office, the Bank of China, the UAE economy ministry and the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development.  

The meeting hosted multiple speakers including He Song, the Chinese embassy’s economic and commercial counsellor, Gao Xiaoming, president of Bank of China’s Abu Dhabi branch. The event drew more than 100 representatives from business circles, including large state-owned enterprises and leading enterprises like Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, Borouge Group, Emirates Steel Industries, multiple enterprises from the Zones Corp Free Zone and Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi as well as the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Sharjah Electricity & Water Authority.

Counsellor He said that different to a common exposition, the China International Import Expo is symbolic of China’s policies and actions toward taking the initiative in opening its market. It is not only the world’s first international expo themed on imports but also a groundbreaking event in the developmental history of international trade. In addition, He delved into how to create synergies between the industrial strengths of the UAE and market demand in China, and he also encouraged UAE enterprise attendees to introduce “Made in UAE” and “UAE Services” to the Chinese market through the Expo.

Gao Xiaoming said the commercial lender has attached great importance to the China International Import Expo and formulated a package of financial service solutions for enterprise exhibitors. In the future, the Abu Dhabi Branch will make proactive efforts to assist UAE-based enterprises in signing up for the Expo as well as provide them with financial services support. Meanwhile, President Gao discussed how UAE enterprises can do business in China.

At the promotional meeting, all enterprises showed a strong interest in the Expo, and plan to attend the expo. Moreover, the Chinese embassy’s Economic and Commercial Counsellor’s Office has carried out one-to-one road shows at Etihad Airways, Senaat General Holding, Strata Manufacturing and other large enterprises. Etihad Airways and other enterprises have since promised that they will take active part in the Expo. Sultan Al Mansouri, the UAE Economy Minister will also lead a delegation in person to attend the Expo.