Restore 'silk route' with China

The UAE is keen to expand its relations with China and believes it is time to restore the ancient “silk route” that had connected Asia with many countries, the semi-official UAE newspaper 'Al Ittihad' said in a front page editorial on Sunday.

The paper was commenting on the visit to China on Sunday by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.

It said the UAE and China have always maintained strong ties since its foundation in 1971, thanks to efforts by the UAE founder late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

It said Sheikh Mohammed’s visit to Beijing would contribute to further bolstering these ties and promoting common interests.

The paper noted that China is an important country given its massive economy, adding that the most populous nation on earth is projected to become the world’s largest economy in 2030 by surpassing the US economy.

“The UAE, China’s largest trading partner in the region, wants this strong relationship to continue and to restore the Silk Road between the region and China not only commercially but culturally, scientifically and technologically,” it said.

“In our region, we need to join China in restoring the Silk Road so it will be a platform and a bridge for exchange in all fields in order to promote common understanding and develop commercial, economic and social links.”

The paper noted that the UAE and China’s economic relations have steadily grown over the past years, with their two-way trade exceeding $55 billion (Dh200 billion) during 2004-2014.

It said there is a scope to further widen such relations given the UAE’s geographical location, its attractive investment incentives, and China’s real desire to expand cooperation with the emirates.
 

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