Expo 2020 Dubai eyes major Chinese business, visitor boost

Expo 2020 Dubai is expecting a significant boost in Chinese visitor and business presence after signing an agreement with the China-Arab International Cooperation Committee (CAICC).

Based in Shanghai, CAICC is a government-backed, non-profit organisation that supports China’s One Belt, One Road initiative by stimulating and facilitating business cooperation and cultural communication between China and Arab nations.

Under the agreement, the two entities will work together to encourage Chinese businesses to take full advantage of the many opportunities available before and during Expo 2020 Dubai, a statement said.

CAICC said it will also extend its support beyond 2020 by facilitating investment opportunities in District 2020, the interconnected mixed development that will carry forward Expo’s legacy.

The two organisations also will work together to promote and facilitate Chinese student and government group visits to Expo 2020 Dubai, which coincides with the 10th anniversary of Shanghai hosting a World Expo in 2010.

Najeeb Mohammed Al-Ali, executive director of Dubai Expo 2020 Bureau, said: “As the host of Expo 2010, Shanghai and China understand the huge importance of World Expos and their convening power as a universal force for good.

"Through cooperation with the CAICC, Expo 2020 Dubai will be able to reach out to our target audiences and build new relationships in Shanghai and neighbouring provinces.”

Hong Hao, chairperson of World Expo Museum, former director general of Expo 2010 Shanghai and former secretary general of Shanghai Municipal Government, said: “The bilateral relationship between China and the UAE has reached a new level with a newly declared deep strategic partnership between the two countries.

“As Dubai’s sister city, Shanghai is willing to share all the experience of hosting a World Expo and work together to contribute to Dubai’s future development. The China-Arab International Cooperation Committee will give maximum support to the organisers of Expo 2020 Dubai.”

The signing follows UAE-China Week earlier this month in which Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Abu Dhabi and a string of important trade deals were announced.

China officially signed its participation contract for Expo 2020 Dubai in May.

Opening on October 20, 2020, Expo 2020 is expected to attract 25 million visits, with 70 percent from outside the UAE – the largest proportion of international visitors in the 167-year history of World Expos.

The agreement follows UAE-China Week earlier this month in which Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Abu Dhabi and a string of important trade deals were announced.

Emirate:  Dubai

Date: Jul 30, 2018

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