The United Arab Emirates (UAE) here Wednesday highlighted the upcoming China Import and Export Trade Fair, saying it will provide great opportunity for UAE young entrepreneurs.

UAE Minister of Economy Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi made the remarks at a press conference held at his ministry just several days before the 101st China Import and Export Trade Fair opens on April 15 in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou.

The event, commonly known as Canton Fair held biannually in Guangzhou, is one of the largest world-wide exhibitions, Sheikha Lubna said, adding there is no doubt that the fair will provide " great opportunity for young entrepreneurs" of the UAE.

The UAE official noted she was deeply impressed by the size of the fair when she attended the 100th session of Canton Fair in October 2006. "When I was there, I was shocked that there were so many people attending the exhibition."

Sheikha Lubna announced at the press conference that she will lead a delegation including 70 young UAE entrepreneurs to the 101st Canton Fair, which will be "the largest among the national delegations" participating in the event.

"It is a golden opportunity for members of the UAE delegation, especially newcomers, to become acquainted with the market and with Chinese products that would assist with the development of sustainable projects and investment within the region," she said.

The UAE is the second largest trade partner of China among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the largest market for Chinese exports in the region. The trade volume between the UAE and China reached 14.2 billion U.S. dollars in 2006.

Source: Xinhua