The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) has signed a strategic partnership agreement with the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce (SCOFCOM) to enhance bilateral cooperation in trade and investment across a range of strategic sectors.
Witnessed by His Excellency Ahmad Jasim Al Zaabi, Member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and Hua Yuan, Vice Mayor of Shanghai, the agreement was signed by His Excellency Badr Al Olama, Director General of ADIO, and Zhu Ming, Director General of SCOFCOM, during the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum (ADIF) in Shanghai.
The partnership aligns with the broader framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the UAE and China, positioning Abu Dhabi as a global destination for investment and a gateway for regional expansion.
Shanghai is an economic powerhouse within China, contributing around US$700 billion, more than 3.5 per cent, to the country’s total GDP in 2024. The city is home to more than 900 multinational headquarters and ranks among the world’s top three financial centres, alongside New York and London. Shanghai also contains the world’s busiest container port, handling over 49 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) annually, and plays a pivotal role in international trade and technology innovation.
With its strategic location, business-friendly policies and pioneering regulatory environment, Abu Dhabi is an ideal hub for Chinese enterprises and investors seeking expansion in the region. By partnering with SCOFCOM, ADIO is strengthening ties between two of the world’s most dynamic economic centres and opening new avenues for cross-border investment and enterprise growth. Both entities will collaborate across critical sectors, including finance, science, technology, education, culture, healthcare, tourism and port affairs. The partnership will also drive high-level government engagements, along with the exchange of business delegations and cross-industry cooperation.
His Excellency Badr Al Olama, Director General of ADIO, said: “Abu Dhabi continues to strengthen its partnerships in key global markets, reinforcing its position as a strategic partner for businesses and investors worldwide. Our partnership with SCOFCOM represents a powerful alignment of two major economic hubs, opening new pathways for cross-border trade, investment and cooperation. This collaboration demonstrates our commitment to fostering deeper ties with Shanghai, while creating lasting value for businesses in both economies.”
Zhu Ming, Director General of SCOFCOM, said: “Strengthening cooperation with Abu Dhabi provides a powerful platform for enterprises and investors from both sides to access new markets and drive innovation. Our partnership with ADIO will accelerate trade, investment, and technology exchange, reinforcing the economic collaboration between China and the UAE.”
The agreement highlights Abu Dhabi’s expanding economic engagement with China, exemplified by ADIO’s focus on facilitating investment between the two markets. Under the theme Invest with Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum in Shanghai convened leading Chinese CEOs, investors, and financial leaders to explore strategic investment opportunities in one of the Middle East’s fastest-growing economies.
