The UAE is to open a consulate general in Shanghai, China's rapidly growing business capital. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, the President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, issued a federal decree to open the consular office, the state news agency, WAM, reported yesterday. It follows a visit to China by Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
In March last year, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, also visited China. The UAE already has an embassy in Beijing and a consulate general in Hong Kong. Economic ties between the UAE and China are strengthening. Trade between the nations rose 40.5 per cent last year to US$28.2 billion (Dh104bn), 11 times the figure of 2001, fuelled by China's growing demand for oil.
Sheikh Khalifa's decree appoints Noura Mohammed Juma as the UAE consul general in Shanghai. Ms Juma has worked for more than 14 years at the Department of Economy in Dubai, most recently as director of trade registration, one of the department's largest divisions. dbardsley@thenational.ae
