The UAE and China have launched the Qingdao Overseas Integrated Service Centre (QOISC) at the China-Arab Business Forum. The initiative aims to accelerate trade between China and Arab countries, which surpassed $400 billion in 2024.
During the Forum, 40 projects were signed with a combined value of $5.93 billion. These deals span key sectors such as high-end equipment, renewable energy, and next-generation materials.
QOISC to Enhance Trade and Regional Integration
The QOISC was established by SepcoIII Electric Power Construction Co. and Hisense Group, both with deep roots in the UAE and Middle East. The centre will serve as a platform for advancing China-Arab trade and supporting the international growth of Chinese businesses.
Abdulla Albasha Alnoaimi, UAE’s Commercial Attaché to China, and Zeng Zanrong, Secretary of the Qingdao Municipal Party Committee, jointly unveiled the centre at the Forum. The QOISC will focus on facilitating export-oriented partnerships and expanding into regional markets using the UAE as a strategic hub.
Trade Momentum Backed by Historic Ties
Trade between China and the Arab world dates back more than 2,000 years, with historic roots in the Silk Route. Recent data shows strong momentum. In 2024, China-UAE trade reached $101.84 billion, up 7.2% year-on-year, while trade with Saudi Arabia hit $107.53 billion.
The Forum brought together 465 multinational companies from 43 countries, including 135 Fortune Global 500 firms. More than 300 Chinese companies held business meetings with firms from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt.
Experts view China’s deeper engagement with Arab countries as a move to diversify global alliances and reduce reliance on any single power. Chinese firms are now active in sectors like energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing across the Middle East.
Building Future Trade Under Belt and Road
Mohammed Saqib, Secretary-General of the China India Middle East and North Africa (Chimena) Business Council, said:
“The QOISC is a major step forward. It will accelerate trade between the two economic blocs and bring their people closer through cooperation in trade, tourism, and culture.”
He added that the centre would participate in overseas industrial park development, international exhibitions, and business matching initiatives. These efforts will drive regional growth and deepen the impact of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Today, over 15,500 Chinese companies operate in the UAE, investing more than $6 billion. The launch of QOISC is expected to support further growth, enhance supply chains, and strengthen collaboration across sectors.
