Delegation from DPA visits Qingdao City in China to discuss cooperation in port construction and development

During his visit, Bin Thaniah met with Du Shicheng, Vice Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Shandong Committee and Secretary of CPC Qingdao Committee and Xia Geng, Mayor of Qingdao City.

The DPA delegation was briefed on Qingdao's economic development and investment environment by Shicheng, to enhance DPA's understanding of Qingdao, strengthen friendship between the two countries and promote mutual trust and cooperation in the area of container terminal development.

"We thank the administration of Qingdao city for extending an invitation to DPA to visit Qingdao and helping us get a deeper understanding of the city, its ports and facilities. We had detailed discussions on the progress and scope of cooperation on various projects," said Bin Thaniah. "We are certainly impressed by Qingdao's city infrastructure development, natural conditions of the port and the efficient infrastructure and facilities in the development zone. Qingdao presents numerous investment opportunities which could open new avenues for bilateral trade."

"This visit has further strengthened the ties between the two countries as we will step up cooperation in logistics, port construction and expansion activities in the coming months. Overall this has been a very fruitful visit for us as it has combined the strengths of Qingdao and Dubai to produce synergies that will significantly benefit both the cities," he added.

"Qingdao and Dubai, through dialogues and exchange, have solid foundations and broad opportunities for cooperation in the areas of port, tourism and oil refinery. We hope that with the joint efforts, both parties would further promote their cooperation in various aspects including port construction, and in the process achieve more positive results," said Mayor Xia Geng.

The DPA delegation also had meetings with Li Xiaolin, Vice President of Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, Zhang Zezhong, Secretary General of CPC Qingdao Committee and Hu Shaojun, Vice Mayor of Qingdao.

Dubai Ports Authority recently announced that it has achieved a 22 per cent increase in container traffic in the first half of 2005 compared to the same period last year, continuing its progressive performance in port operations.