Dubai International Financial Centre Seeks to Boost Trade Ties at 'Dubai Week in China', Promote 'Ease-of-Access' to Emerging Markets

DUBAI, UAE - 30 April, 2015: In a bid to strengthen the long-standing bilateral trade partnership between Dubai and China, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the financial and business gateway between the Middle East, Africa and Asia, is set to mark an emphatic participation at the seven-day 'Dubai Week in China'.

Dubai Week in China will run from 8 to 15 May, at 'The Orange' in Sanlitun Village, a business district in the heart of Beijing. A first-of-its-kind trade exhibition, the event will converge prominent government leaders, high net worth individuals and global corporate giants.

The seven-day thought leadership platform, which boasts DIFC's principal sponsorship, is tailored to highlight value of investments in the Middle Eastern region that drives the momentum of several developed economies. As one of the most mature financial hub in the region, DIFC seeks economic engagement that can be sustained and scaled for greater collaborations, which are beneficial for both the nations. DIFC's expertise in facilitating strategic access to emerging markets through leveraging efficient financial systems, conducive regulatory framework and world-class infrastructure will also be highlighted for the benefit of Chinese investors.

Speaking ahead of the event, Arif Amiri, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, DIFC Authority said: "DIFC's participation in Dubai Week in China will build on the economic cooperation registered in 2014 in terms of enhanced Chinese investments in the UAE. We aim to consolidate our position as a major financial and business hub for Chinese investors. I invite the Chinese community and visitors to attend the definitive trade event and acquire insights on how they can play a more participatory role in the growth story of Dubai and the wider region."

DIFC is currently home to China's four biggest banks and a number of large Chinese firms including oil giant Petro China. Amiri added: "It is indeed a pleasure to introduce our Chinese counterparts to DIFC's world-class infrastructure, efficient legal and regulatory framework and facilitate their strategic access to markets in the Middle East and Africa. We are confident that DIFC can help accelerate China's economic development in some of the world's fastest-growing markets, in line with the Asian-giant's 'One Belt, One Road' strategy."

China's 'One Belt, One Road' strategy spans the Asia-Pacific and European economies that encompass 3.81 billion people and account for US$16.42 trillion in economic output. The term refers to the Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st-century Maritime Silk Road initiatives launched by Chinese President Xi Jinping. The plan aims to encourage Chinese companies, in particular state-run enterprises, to seek aggressive overseas investments and use the country's foreign reserves to create lucrative financing options for the private sector.