DMCC sees 24 per cent yearly increase in Chinese businesses

Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) has announced a major 24 per cent year-to-date increase in the number of Chinese companies setting up in its free zone. The announcement comes as DMCC concludes a series of roadshows in China that took place in the commercial and trade hubs of Shanghai, Guangzhou and Chongqing.

This was the first physical DMCC roadshow held in China after three years, during which DMCC showcased Dubai’s thriving business environment and how DMCC acts as a central platform and business district of choice for Chinese companies to expand in Dubai and internationally.

As part of the roadshow, DMCC signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Lin-gang Special Area of China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone (LGSAC).

The MoU will see both entities cooperate in areas such as innovation, commerce, logistics and trade. The agreement will allow both parties to establish and explore dedicated services for companies in Dubai and Shanghai, streamlining the requirements and processes for companies looking to setup in both regions.

The roadshows in Shanghai, Guangzhou and Chongqing saw DMCC executives briefing over 600 business leaders across various sectors on the benefits of doing business in Dubai through DMCC, one of the most well-connected business districts in the world. Earlier in the year, DMCC hosted over 200 Chinese business leaders in a dedicated China Business Day to celebrate growing economic relations and further strengthen ties between both nations.

Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, DMCC, added, “With over 770 Chinese companies in our free zone, a figure which is growing all the time, China is one of the most strategically important markets for DMCC. We are delighted to be back in China at such a vibrant and exciting time for our countries where bilateral trade outside of oil last year grew to over $72 billion. This MoU with LGSAC is the latest statement of intent as we aim to further the ease of doing business for greater trade flows and mutual economic prosperity.”

Zhao Yihuai, deputy director of Lin-gang Special Area of China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone, said, “We consider the UAE as a valuable trade and commercial partner, with Dubai playing a significant role as an enabler of international trade. Our partnership with DMCC comes at a strategic time when the leadership in China and the UAE have set a target to increase bilateral trade to $200 billion by 2030. We are confident this agreement will further strengthen the ties between the two nations by granting businesses improved access to both markets.”

DMCC has made it a priority to attract Chinese businesses to Dubai by creating a customised ecosystem, including the Yingtian Chinese Business Centre DMCC and a Mandarin version of its website. To further assist Chinese companies, DMCC opened a China Service Centre in Almas Tower with Mandarin onboarding support across all client touchpoints. In 2020, DMCC opened a representative office in Shenzhen to facilitate the setup process for Chinese businesses.