Guangxi delegation visits UAE to deepen cooperation

Lan Tianli, chairman of Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, led a delegation to visit the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from April 6 to 8, aiming to deepen practical cooperation with the UAE, better serve the construction of a comprehensive strategic partnership between China and the UAE.

Economic and trade cooperation between Guangxi and the UAE has become increasingly close in recent years. The UAE has become a key financial and trade partner for Guangxi in the Middle East and one of the leading suppliers of energy and high-quality industrial raw materials for Guangxi. The total import and export volume between the two sides has grown by an average of 47.5 percent annually from 2020 to 2024.

The Annual Investment Meeting (AIM) Congress 2025 opened at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center on April 7. The Guangxi delegation was invited to attend the opening ceremony and participate in the China (Guangxi)-UAE Economic and Trade Cooperation Matchmaking Meeting, witnessing the on-site signing of seven cooperation projects with foreign partners.

At the matchmaking meeting, the China (Guangxi) Pilot Free Trade Zone (FTZ), the Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, and the Guangxi Beibu Gulf International Port Group delivered promotional speeches, demonstrating confidence and enthusiasm in the belief that "Investing in Guangxi is investing in China, and investing in China is investing in the future."

The Beibu Gulf Port in Guangxi connects over 200 ports in more than 100 countries and regions worldwide, with cargo throughput and container throughput ranking among the top 10 in China for four consecutive years. Last year, the Beibu Gulf Port had 11,300 standard containers traveling to the UAE, a 69 percent increase, with a 117.2 percent growth in shipments to Jebel Ali Port.

The Guangxi delegation conducted a visit to Jebel Ali Port, where they engaged in formal meetings with Abdulla bin Damithan, chief executive officer and managing director of DP World GCC. During this visit, which took place on April 8, a memorandum of cooperation was signed between the Guangxi Beibu Gulf International Port Group and DP World.

Both parties agreed to utilize their strengths to enhance cooperation in port operations, route opening, logistics warehousing, information sharing, and market development to promote bilateral trade growth and achieve mutual benefits.

Lan Tianli (L) meets with Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, minister of economy of the UAE. [Photo/Guangxi Daily]