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Chinese Fair In Sharjah To Cash In On Surging UAE-China Trade Ties |
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China is fast emerging as the preferred trade partner of the UAE, and with both the countries showing keen interest in further enhancing bilateral economic ties, the forthcoming edition of Chinese Commodities Fair in Sharjah is set be a key event for businesses from both the countries. The trade exchange between the two countries is expected to reach US$ 24 billion in the current year, up from US$ 22 billion in 2009, and according to trade projections, the figure is likely to increase to US$ 500 billion by 2020 as the UAE and China strengthen their trade relationship in the coming years. Besides, during a recent high-level meeting, the UAE was described as China’s trade gateway to the Arab countries and China as the UAE’s window to countries in eastern and western Asia. This strong focus on trade ties will reflect positively on the latest edition of the show by bringing in more Chinese exhibitors and attracting visitors from all over the region. "The UAE is our major trade partner in the Gulf and the Middle East. The country is a significant focus area for businesses from our provinces because it gives them a unique opportunity to do business with the entire Middle East, North Africa, Sub-Continent and CIS regions," said Mr Xie Qinshen, Commercial Counselor, Economic & Commercial Section, Consulate General of China in Dubai, "The presence of leading firms from several provinces of the country will ensure that the fair will offer trade visitors the most diversified product profile. The increasing interest shown by Chinese companies to participate in the fair is also a testament to the popularity of this platform," he said. "Trade and bilateral ties between the UAE and China are growing stronger by the day. There are frequent high-level visits from both sides, free trade talks are under way between the Gulf nations and China and businesses from both sides are exploring new investment opportunities. In this scenario, Chinese Commodities Fair Sharjah will be a prominent platform for businesses from both sides to explore better opportunities and strengthen their existing ties," said Mr Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, Director-General of Expo Centre Sharjah. The ninth edition of Chinese Commodities Fair Sharjah will be held at Expo Centre Sharjah from November 22 to 25. It will feature nearly 150 leading companies. "China provides the UAE with goods and services ranging from textiles to machinery and mechanical appliances, base metals and plastics and rubber products. The Chinese Commodities Fair Sharjah will be a good opportunity for local firms to source these products at a more cost-effective way by dealing directly with representatives of Chinese establishments present at the show," said Mr Patrick Zheng Shuo, General Manager of Chinamex "The Chinese Commodities Fair Sharjah is considered as the �Chinese Canton Fair in the Middle East’," he added. The exhibit profile will cover sectors such as Food & food products, light commercial vehicles & parts, building materials, healthcare, native products, electronics & IT products and lighting & d cor products. Over the past eight years, the CCFS has seen the participation of 8,600 exhibitors from more than 4,000 enterprises from all over China. Reflecting its huge success, the fair, organised in association with the Chinese Ministry of Commerce and Chinamex, also attracted 229,000 trade buyers and 410,000 visitors from more than 67 countries. The gross turnover of the past editions of the show is over US$ 3.13 billion. The show will be jointly sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, and the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and organized by Chinamex and Expo Centre Sharjah. |
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