Chinese Ministry of Commerce data shows that foreign investment in China has dropped over the first 11 months of this year. However, investment from the Middle East may become a new area for growth.

Last week, Chinese President Xi Jinping and President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met in Beijing, leading to the signing of 19 collaboration documents and one joint statement.

On the sideline of the WTO MC13, China's Minister of Commerce met with his counterpart from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and signed a deal on boosting investment in the digital economy.

At today's press conference, an official from China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) vowed more China-Arab collaboration. This came after the conclusion of the Arab-China business conference, at which over 20 agreements and deals were signed.

This month, China's Customs issued multiple documents that would pave the way for more Iranian aquatic products, dairy products, and apples to be sold in China. This came after a state visit by Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi to China in mid-February.

Chinese President Xi Jinping attended two summits with Arab nations last week in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: the China-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit and the China-Arab Summit. At the summits, Xi called for boosting trade with Arab states to US$430 billion by 2027 and promised more trade facilitation and development

The Chinese government and the Saudi Arabian government signed a series of investment agreements and documents to further cooperation on energy, information technology, and infrastructure during Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Saudi Arabia this week.