Chongqing - On May 23, the China (Chongqing)–UAE Economic and Trade Investment Promotion Conference opened in Chongqing, bringing together representatives from the UAE and China to foster deeper economic and investment ties. With the theme "Shared Vision, Shared Future," the event welcomed over 100 delegates from the UAE, including a delegation led by the Crown Prince of Ajman, government officials, and investment institutions, alongside nearly 300 guests from Chongqing’s government departments and enterprises. 

Key officials from both sides take a group photo following the signing ceremony at the China (Chongqing)–UAE Economic and Trade Investment Promotion Conference. (Photo/The Event Organizer)

The conference was co-hosted by the Chongqing Municipal Economic and Information Technology Commission, Chongqing Municipal Commission of Commerce, Chongqing Municipal Commission of Culture and Tourism Development, Foreign Affairs Office of Chongqing Municipal People's Government, and the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in China.

Deepening Chongqing-UAE cooperation

In recent years, Chongqing and the UAE have significantly expanded cooperation across industry, trade, and technology. A highlight of the event was the release of the China(Chongqing)–UAE Economic and Trade Investment Cooperation Report, a comprehensive case study collection showcasing the outcomes of collaboration between the two sides.

The report notes that Chongqing and the UAE have highly complementary industrial structures and significant potential for two-way investment. The UAE has become a key destination for Chongqing’s leading manufacturing firms seeking to expand abroad, while UAE investment in Chongqing stands to benefit from the vast Chinese inland market and the rapid growth of high-tech enterprises. At the same time, the UAE’s drive for industrial diversification and energy transition aligns closely with Chongqing’s strengths in new energy technologies and smart manufacturing.

The Chongqing Municipal Economic and Information Technology Commission has already facilitated over 100 local enterprises in bilateral investment negotiations, covering emerging sectors such as new energy vehicles, smart manufacturing, and environmental technology.

Notable achievements include Changan Automobile’s AVATR brand signing a strategic cooperation agreement with a UAE distributor and launching its brand in Dubai, Sevnce Robotics exploring AI-powered applications in the UAE’s oil sector, and SWS Hemodialysis Care Co., Ltd. providing comprehensive solutions to UAE clients and exhibiting at Arab Health for six consecutive years.

Multiple MoUs signed

A key outcome of the conference was the signing of several memoranda of understanding (MoUs) to deepen cooperation. Among them was the Memorandum of Cooperation on Establishing Friendly Exchange Cities between Chongqing and the Emirate of Ajman, UAE. Further MoUs were signed between Chongqing and Ajman in a variety of sectors, including industry, commerce, logistics, education, and tourism. 

The Chongqing Municipal People’s Government and the Government of Ajman sign the Memorandum of Cooperation on Establishing Friendly Exchange Cities between Chongqing and the Emirate of Ajman, UAE. (Photo/The Event Organizer)

The Memorandum of Understanding Between the Chongqing Municipal Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Emirate of Ajman, United Arab Emirates aims to accelerate the "Chongqing Vehicles Go Global" initiative, enhance cooperation on key equipment projects, promote project reserves and investment promotion, and identify a list of priority projects for joint advancement.

Dual promotion for shared opportunity

A central focus of the event was identifying new opportunities for practical cooperation. Representatives from both sides delivered presentations on economic development, intelligent manufacturing, industrial transformation, and innovation.

Chongqing officials highlighted the city’s rising industrial capacity and competitiveness, the growth of its "33618" modern manufacturing cluster system, and the deep integration of technological and industrial innovation. The city also expressed commitment to further trade and investment cooperation with the UAE and to leveraging international expos as platforms for business exchange.

The Director General of Ajman Free Zones Authority expressed strong optimism about future cooperation, stating, “I see huge opportunities of collaboration between Chongqing and Ajman and the UAE.” He added, “There are a huge synonymous between our strategy within the UAE and China and between Ajman and Chongqing. And this is why we were very excited to sign the partnership city with Chongqing, because we complement each other and all our future steps coming forward.”

Investment promotion presentations were delivered by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, Dubai Chamber’s Shanghai office, Ajman Chamber, and Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone. Meanwhile, representatives from Chongqing’s Liangjiang New Area, Yuzhong District, and Fengjie County showcased regional investment opportunities.

True partners are not kept apart by mountains and seas. The successful convening of the China (Chongqing)–UAE Economic and Trade Investment Promotion Conference marks a significant milestone in strengthening friendship and advancing mutually beneficial cooperation between Chongqing and the UAE.