UAE’s Dr Sultan Al Jaber Enhances Strategic Energy Partnerships In China Visit

His Excellency Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and ADNOC Managing Director and Group CEO, recently concluded a productive visit to the People’s Republic of China. During his visit, he held bilateral meetings with key government officials and CEOs of major Chinese companies, furthering the industrial and energy cooperation that was reinforced during the state visit of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to China in May. This visit also celebrated the 40th anniversary of UAE-China diplomatic relations and underscored the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) between the two nations.

Dr. Al Jaber’s meetings included discussions with Ding Xuexiang, Chinese Vice Premier; Zhao Chenxin, Vice Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC); and Mr. Xuande Wu, Mayor of Fuzhou. The UAE delegation, which included His Excellency Hussain Al Hammadi, UAE Ambassador to China, focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in key sectors such as oil and gas, petrochemicals, renewable energy, PV manufacturing, logistics, shipping, and storage.

“The UAE and China have a close relationship built on mutual respect and shared economic interests. This visit reaffirms the UAE’s commitment to collaborating with partners and exploring new opportunities in vital fields, building on the positive discussions from President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit in May,” stated Dr Al Jaber.

Highlighting the strategic partnership, Dr Al Jaber noted that China is a crucial market for ADNOC’s crude oil, refined products, and petrochemicals. The UAE aims to remain a reliable energy partner for China while also focusing on sustainable economic development through joint initiatives in renewable energy, shipping, and storage.

During his visit, Dr. Al Jaber also engaged with CEOs of leading Chinese companies in the energy, petrochemical, renewable energy, manufacturing, and logistics sectors. These discussions focused on enhancing cooperation and exploring joint investment opportunities, particularly in the fields of oil and gas, renewable energy, and the manufacturing of solar panels and batteries.

Notable meetings included engagements with Mr. Dai Houliang, Chairman of China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC); Mr. Wang Dongjin, Chairman of China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC Group); Mr. Wang Yuetao, Chairman of ZhenHua Oil; and Mr. Zengtai Liao, Chairman of Wanhua Chemical Group Co Ltd. Strategic agreements were signed, including partnerships for the construction of Very Large Ethane Carriers and Ammonia Carriers, and collaboration agreements between ADNOC and CNPC and CNOOC across the energy value chain.

One significant project collaboration agreement was signed between a consortium comprising ADNOC, Borealis, and Borouge, and Wanhua Chemical Group and Wanrong New Materials, for a feasibility study to establish a specialty polyolefins complex in China.

The UAE delegation included His Excellency Omar Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology; Musabbeh Al Kaabi, Executive Director of Low Carbon Solutions & International Growth Directorate at ADNOC; Hazeem Sultan Al Suwaidi, CEO of Borouge; and Captain Abdulkareem Al Musabi, CEO of ADNOC Logistics & Services.

China is the UAE’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching $95 billion in 2023, including $83 billion in non-oil trade, marking a 7.5 percent growth compared to 2022. Both countries are working towards a target of $200 billion in trade by 2030.