The Abu Dhabi Youth Business Council, part of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has facilitated a strategic business program in Shanghai, China, aimed at helping Abu Dhabi-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) tap into international markets and build commercial ties with the Chinese business community. The initiative took place on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum (ADIF) in Shanghai.
Quick Facts
- Over AED 2.6M in potential opportunities identified.
- 86% of participants gained access to new markets.
- 57% of companies found potential partnership leads.
Forging Cross-Border Deals in Shanghai
The program centered on connecting a delegation of entrepreneurs and SME representatives from Abu Dhabi with business leaders and innovation hubs in China. A key event was the “Future Economies and Cross-Border Entrepreneurship” roundtable, which brought together decision-makers from both cities to discuss collaboration in advanced manufacturing, AI, and sustainability.
This was followed by a series of direct B2B meetings between Emirati and Chinese companies. The council organized over 27 one-on-one sessions with 15 Chinese entities, allowing the visiting SMEs to explore concrete opportunities for trade, investment, and strategic partnerships.
Mansour Abduljabbar Al Sayegh, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Youth Business Council, commented on the initiative’s goals.
“Supporting entrepreneurs and enabling SMEs to access global markets is a key pillar for enhancing the competitiveness of Abu Dhabi’s economy and solidifying its position as a global business and investment hub. This program provided a practical platform to build relationships, explore promising opportunities, and enhance direct communication with one of the most important economic and innovation centers in the world.”
Tapping into China’s Innovation Engine
To deepen ties with global innovation ecosystems, the delegation visited the National Center for Innovation and Excellence (NICE) in Shanghai, a prominent model for industrial development in China. The visit provided insights into how the center connects scientific research with the private sector to accelerate the commercialization of new technologies.
The visit yielded immediate results, with seven Abu Dhabi-based SMEs being connected to cooperation programs and opportunities offered by NICE.
Jawaher Bani Hammad, Director of Partnerships and Events at the council, highlighted the growing interest from the Chinese side.
“In a global economy built on interconnection and partnerships, accessing international markets is no longer an option but a necessity for growth and sustainability. We have noticed increasing interest from Chinese entities and companies in exploring investment and expansion opportunities in Abu Dhabi, viewing it as a strategic gateway to regional and global markets.”
About Abu Dhabi Youth Business Council
The Abu Dhabi Youth Business Council operates under the umbrella of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry. It is dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs and SMEs by helping them build strategic partnerships, enhance their global competitiveness, and connect them with international markets and opportunities, aligning with Abu Dhabi’s vision for a diversified, knowledge-based economy.
Source: Fintech Gate
