Senior trade officials from China and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) met in Abu Dhabi Wednesday to explore trade potential between the two countries and ways to further promote them, a press release said.

Abdulrahman G. Al Mutaiwee, director general of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), held talks with Zhang Yijun, counselor at the economic and commercial section in the Consulate General of China in Dubai.

Al Mutaiwee highlighted the importance of commercial relations between Dubai and China, which is one of the major commercial partners with Dubai and the UAE.

He said bilateral trade is growing quickly and both sides have great opportunities to grow and expand trade further since huge potential remains untapped in both countries.

Zhang said bilateral trade has witnessed a marked growth recently, with a 37 percent increase in 2004 and 36 percent in the first quarter of 2005. More that 3,000 Chinese companies are registered in Dubai, which shows the healthy and active interaction between both sides,Zhang said.

Zhang also expressed China's interest in organizing an event to promote Chinese fruits in Dubai. DCCI welcomed the initiative and expressed readiness to cooperate in this event.

Source: Xinhua