UAE-China Think Tank Forum in Beijing explores cooperation in trade, education and culture

The UAE’s embassy in Beijing hosted the first UAE-China Think Tank Forum in the country’s capital on August 29-30. Over the course of two days, participants from both countries discussed various topics related to enhancing cooperation and partnership between the two nations.

The forum, held under the theme ‘Together to build a shared, sustainable and ambitious future’, witnessed the participation of more than 100 academic, intellectual and scientific figures from universities, ministries, governmental departments, research institutions, the private sector, and national and international financial institutions from both countries.

During the event’s launch, Hussain Ibrahim Al Hammadi, UAE Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, emphasized that UAE-China bilateral relations are witnessing remarkable progress across economic, trade, cultural, political and diplomatic spheres.

“This forum represents an opportunity to enhance cooperation in areas of mutual interest such as trade, education, and culture. It reflects the depth and strength of our collaborative relationship and our shared commitment to building a more sustainable and prosperous future,” stated Al Hammadi.

The UAE-China Think Tank Forum marks a milestone in the bilateral relations between the UAE and China, opening new horizons for collaboration and partnership.

The forum aligned academic and research circles between the UAE and China on ways to strengthen comprehensive cooperation in areas of mutual interest like economic and trade exchange, scientific research, culture and education. In addition, it sought to provide a platform for collaboration and dialogue between think tanks in both countries to explore opportunities for joint academic projects.

“Through cooperation in scientific and intellectual research and joint projects, we contribute together to developing solutions to global challenges in renewable energy and other fields,” added Al Hammadi.

The UAE-China Think Tank Forum was held in conjunction with the 40th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between the UAE and China in 1984. These bilateral relations have evolved and reached a comprehensive strategic partnership, which the UAE announced in July 2018 during the visit of Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, to the Emirates.

UAE-China relations received a significant boost following the historic state visit by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Beijing in May 2024. During the visit, both countries signed numerous agreements and cooperation memoranda.

Notably, the UAE is China’s largest non-oil trading partner in the Arab region, while China is the UAE’s number one trading partner, with a trade value of $82 billion in 2023.

The volume of trade exchange between the UAE and China has risen 800-fold since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The volume of trade exchange between the two countries is set to reach $200 billion by 2030.

The UAE-China Think Tank Forum included four sessions. The first session was ‘Enhancing Regional and Global Peace through Multilateralism’, while the second session focused on trade, logistics, and economic recovery.

The second day of the forum featured a session on technology, the new industrial revolution, education, culture, and tourism. Finally, the fourth and final session briefly concluded discussions.