China Foreign Trade Centre Group visits UAE to attract participation from more UAE-based businesses to ‘Canton Fair 2014'

27 February 2014 - A trade delegation from the China Foreign Trade Centre Group, a government-sponsored institution affiliated with the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China (PRC), is visiting the UAE as part of its move to invite more UAE-based businesses to participate at this year’s edition of the China Import and Export Fair, a bi-annual event more popularly known as the Canton Fair, the largest trade fair in China. The visiting group, headed by its President, Wang Runsheng, hosted a special media briefing today (February 27, 2014) at Samaya Hotel in Dubai, where he reported the latest updates on the preparations for the coming trade show and also shared his insights on the bilateral economic and trade relations between the UAE and China.

The 115th edition of Canton Fair will be held in April in Guangzhou and will feature 24,000 of the country’s best foreign trade groups along with 500 of the world’s leading international companies. There are three phases for the event—the first phase happening on April 15 to April 19, 2014 will feature electronics and household appliances, lighting, vehicles and spare parts among others; the second phase will take place on April 23 to April 27, 2014 and will feature consumer goods, toys and home decorations and the third phase will happen on May 1 to May 5, 2014 featuring textile and garments, shoes, office supplies, medical products, food and native produce and an international pavilion.

“The UAE has always been one of China's most trusted economic partners in the Middle East region--strategically serving as a transfer hub for Chinese products that are exported to Middle East and nearby African markets. China has enjoyed strong ties with the UAE, which is reflected in the key presence of Chinese businesses here,” said Wang Runsheng, President, China Foreign Trade Centre Group. “In line with this, we are encouraging UAE businessmen to come and take part at this year’s Canton Fair, where they can leverage their products and a service across some of our country’s leading trade entities but also with some of the world’s top companies. The Canton Fair is the most effective way to develop the business relationships you need to succeed in China. It has ably positioned itself as a must-see event for all those looking for business success in China."

Relations between China and the UAE have historically been mounted on high-level trade. In fact, there are currently over 2,000 Chinese firms in the UAE, operating mostly in the construction sector. Also, the UAE is China's second largest trading partner in the Middle East and the largest in terms of buying Chinese products.