Dubai, UAE: The inaugural Membership and Partner Conference of the UAE-China Chamber of Commerce (UECN) was successfully held on December 15, 2023, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Dubai Al Jadaf. This seminal event marked a significant stride in strengthening the business and cultural ties between the United Arab Emirates and China.
The conference began with a series of thought-provoking online and in-person speeches from renowned experts in international trade, law, and finance. Among the notable speakers were Tang Xiaobing, former Senior Counsellor at the World Trade Organization; Bernardo Cartoni, Co-Founder of UECN; and Philip Hackett KC, Head of International Dispute Resolution at UECN. Their insights set a high bar for the discussions that followed, underscoring the importance of international cooperation in today’s globalized economy.
In-person sessions included contributions from Mokhtar Elsayed of Sanofi, Elena Overchuk of Kyndryl UAE, and Nancy Guo from HSBC, who shared their unique perspectives on global business practices and cross-cultural communication. Hussam Zainuddin and Yuanyuan Li of KPMG further enriched the dialogue with their expertise in tax and corporate law, particularly in the context of Sino-Middle Eastern collaborations.
The keynote segment was a highlight of the event, featuring Tianze Zhang, Board of Director of UECN, and Hongxia Zhang, UECN Director of Business & Legal Service. Their speeches, focusing on the theme “Building Global Bridges,” emphasized the strategic role of the UECN in fostering Sino-Arab business relations and highlighted future opportunities in this dynamic sector.
A particularly engaging portion of the conference was the New Member Signing Ceremony, symbolizing the growing influence and expanding network of UECN. Following this, Ezzeldin AbdelGafar, Founder Partner at E Z O Legal Consultancy and UECN Legal Manager in Dubai, delivered a compelling talk on the criticality of legal compliance in international business, especially between the Middle East and China.
The conference concluded with a case study and networking session, where participants engaged in in-depth group discussions. This interactive segment allowed attendees to analyze real-life business scenarios, share insights, and forge meaningful professional connections. It exemplified UECN’s commitment to not only understanding the challenges of market expansion but also to creating a robust platform for international cooperation and networking.
Additionally, a significant achievement during the conference was the enthusiastic participation of over 30 companies and individuals in the membership application process. These entities, encompassing a diverse range of industries and backgrounds, officially joined as the founding members of the UECN. This remarkable turnout not only reflects the burgeoning interest in Sino-UAE business collaborations but also establishes a solid foundation for the Chamber’s network. The influx of these founding members signifies a promising start for UECN, positioning it as a pivotal platform for fostering robust business relationships and facilitating cross-cultural exchanges between China and the UAE. This milestone underscores the Chamber’s potential to serve as a catalyst for future economic and cultural partnerships.
The establishment and inaugural meeting of the UAE-China Chamber of Commerce (UECN) represents a pivotal moment in the evolving business relationship between China and the United Arab Emirates. UECN stands as a testament to the shared vision of enhancing economic and cultural ties, fostering a deep and mutually beneficial collaboration between these two dynamic economies. This Chamber serves as a crucial bridge, connecting businesses, entrepreneurs, and government entities across both nations, thereby facilitating a seamless exchange of ideas, resources, and opportunities. It promises to catalyze a new phase of bilateral trade, investment, and cultural exchange, rooted in mutual respect and a shared commitment to sustainable growth.
Moreover, the UECN provides a structured and robust platform for addressing challenges and leveraging opportunities in the Sino-UAE business landscape. By bringing together a diverse range of stakeholders, including over 30 founding member companies from various industries, the Chamber is uniquely positioned to harness the strengths of both regions. It can effectively advocate for policies that benefit both parties, drive innovation, and promote best practices in business and governance. This collaborative approach is crucial in today’s interconnected global economy, where understanding and adapting to different market dynamics and cultural nuances can significantly impact success. The UECN, therefore, is not just a facilitator of business transactions; it is a catalyst for a deeper, more comprehensive partnership between China and the UAE, paving the way for a future marked by sha