The UAE Ministry of Investment and China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen economic relations and promote bilateral investment flows.
The MoU was signed by UAE Minister of Investment Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi and Liu Sushe, Vice-Chairman of the NDRC, with His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and Chinese Premier Li Qiang in attendance.
This agreement lays the foundation for enhanced cooperation in investment promotion, aiming to facilitate collaboration between government agencies, regulatory bodies, SMEs, and private sector entities from both countries. Key focus areas include joint investment platforms, funds, and cross-border investment projects, including in third markets.
The MoU with NDRC also sets the stage for UAE investment entities to create a China-focused investment platform, subject to approval and market conditions. The deal reflects the UAE’s commitment to fostering strategic international partnerships, particularly in high-growth sectors, and bolstering its role as a hub for global investment flows.
China is a crucial trade and investment partner for the UAE. It ranks as the UAE’s fourth-largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI), accounting for 6.3 percent of total FDI stock by 2024.
Bilateral trade between the two nations is projected to exceed $100 billion in 2024. Additionally, by July 2025, nearly 16,500 Chinese trade licenses were active in the UAE, reflecting an 18 percent year-on-year increase across diverse economic activities.
Mohamed Hassan Al Suwaidi UAE Minister of Investment
“This MoU with NDRC marks a significant milestone in the UAE’s strategic partnership with China, our principal trading partner and the fourth-largest source of FDI into the UAE, representing 6.3 percent of total inward FDI stock as of 2024. More than 16,000 Chinese companies already operate in the UAE, a testament to our strong business ties and the continued confidence they place in the UAE as a platform for regional and global growth. This MoU establishes a structured framework to unlock new investment opportunities, mobilize capital across priority sectors, including through our sovereign wealth funds, and deliver lasting value for both nations.”
H.E. Liu Sushe, Vice-Chairman of NDRC, said that, “Together with the UAE, the People’s Republic of China is committed to sustainable development and economic progress by expanding bilateral investment cooperation. Through this Memorandum, we aim to further integrate our respective capabilities, promote the flow of capital and talent between our two countries, and support the development of strategic industries. We are confident that this collaboration will deliver tangible benefits for both countries and contribute to a more stable and prosperous global economy.”
