WAM Guangzhou, Oct 23rd, 2011 (WAM)--The UAE and China have stressed the importance of boosting the trade, tourism and investment ties.

This was disclosed in a meeting held by Abdullah Ahmed Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Trade with the Chinese Minister of Foreign Trade Affairs Luo Jiang at the sidelines of the 110 Canton Fair 2011, which was opened here today.

Saleh is heading the UAE trade delegation to attend the fair, which will conclude on Thursday.

The Chinese minister welcomed the UAE official and delegation accompanying him, adding that the participation of the UAE in this international event reflects extent of the UAE's interest to enhance the trade and economic ties with China, and strengthen of relations between the exporters and importers in both countries.

Saleh thanked China and organisers of the event for the hospitality and facilitations provided to the UAE delegation.

He added that the UAE participation in the event comes within the framework of strengthening the relations between the two countries, indicating that the UAE had taken part in similar exhibitions of Canton.

Saleh said China ranks the second in the list of UAE foreign trade partners since 2003, adding that it tops the list of exporting countries to the UAE.

He expected the growth of volume of trade between the UAE and China by 24 per cent, citing the expansion in the trade exchanges and the economic growth.

Saleh said despite its small population, the UAE has strong economy, which ranks 18th in the international trade, and constitutes a portal for Chinese products to the Middle East and African countries.

He added that the Chinese Dragon Market at Emirates Mall has signed a contract to expand in the GCC and the Middle East.

Saleh invited on behalf of Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, Foreign Trade Minister to visit the UAE.

For his part, the Chinese minister thanked the UAE delegation for participation in the event, adding that the relations between the two countries have witnessed growth in the recent years at the trade and tourism levels.

He added that the number of Chinese tourists who visit the UAE annually has risen to become 120, 000 visitors annually, indicating that the number of Emirati tourists who visit China has risen too.

A number of UAE businesspersons conducted talks with a number of Chinese Companies, indicating that the contacts will yield fruits.