In a move to further deepen economic collaboration, H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy, held a strategic meeting with H.E. Lan Tianli, Governor of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, to explore avenues for enhanced bilateral cooperation between the UAE and China. Discussions focused on vital sectors such as the new economy, entrepreneurship, renewable energy, e-commerce, advanced industries, logistics, tourism, and air transport. H.E. Bin Touq reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to leveraging its position as a global re-export and logistics hub to facilitate Guangxi’s access to Middle Eastern and African markets. “The UAE-China partnership is a global model for economic innovation and diversity,” said H.E. Bin Touq, highlighting that public-private partnerships, digital trade, and infrastructure investment will be key drivers in the next phase of cooperation. Guangxi’s Governor welcomed the UAE’s proactive role in supporting economic exchange and expressed interest in expanding collaboration in smart manufacturing, port services, and sustainable agriculture. The bilateral trade between the UAE and Guangxi reached USD 969 million (approx. Rs 8 billion) in 2024, driven largely by strong ties between the two regions' free zones. The UAE also remains home to more than 15,000 Chinese companies and welcomed over 1 million Chinese tourists last year, with more than 250 flights operating monthly between the two nations. The leaders also emphasized the value of continued delegation exchanges and participation in economic exhibitions, which serve as vital platforms for identifying investment opportunities and fostering business ties. Tourism, logistics, and knowledge-sharing initiatives were underscored as priority areas for expansion, reflecting the countries’ shared vision for sustainable growth and innovation.