Photo Credit : WAM
The Abu Dhabi Youth Business Council (ADYBC), affiliated with the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has completed a strategic economic programme in Shanghai aimed at helping Abu Dhabi-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) expand internationally and build stronger commercial ties with Chinese businesses and investors.
The initiative was held alongside the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum in Shanghai and brought together entrepreneurs, SME representatives, business leaders and innovation-focused organisations from both Abu Dhabi and China.
A key highlight of the programme was a roundtable discussion titled “Future Economies & Cross-Border Entrepreneurship Collaborations,” which explored opportunities in advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, sustainability, innovation and entrepreneurship. Participants discussed ways to strengthen cooperation and encourage future partnerships between the two business ecosystems.
ADYBC also organised a series of business-to-business meetings that connected Abu Dhabi SMEs with Chinese counterparts. More than 27 direct meetings were conducted with 15 Chinese companies and organisations, creating opportunities for trade, investment and long-term collaboration.
The delegation also visited the National Innovation Centre for Excellence (NICE), one of China’s leading innovation platforms. The visit enabled participating companies to gain insights into innovation commercialisation and industrial development while establishing direct links with potential partners. Seven Abu Dhabi SMEs were connected with NICE programmes and collaboration opportunities as a result of the visit.
According to ADYBC Chairman Mansoor Abduljabbar Al Sayegh, supporting entrepreneurs and helping SMEs access international markets remains central to Abu Dhabi’s economic growth strategy. He noted that the programme provided a practical platform for businesses to build relationships and explore new opportunities in one of the world’s leading innovation hubs.
The mission delivered measurable outcomes, with 86 percent of participants reporting access to new markets and business networks, while 57 percent identified potential partnership opportunities. The value of commercial and investment opportunities explored during the programme exceeded AED2.6 million.
The initiative achieved an overall participant satisfaction rate of 85 percent, with all delegates expressing interest in joining future international missions organised by ADYBC. Chinese organisations also expressed strong interest in developing long-term partnerships with Abu Dhabi-based businesses and exploring investment opportunities in the emirate.
