Etihad debuts at first China International Import Expo

Etihad Aviation Group (EAG) debuts its engaging and multifunctional booth under the theme “Embracing China, Expanding Partnership” at the First China International Import Expo (CIIE) at the National Exhibition and Conventional Centre in Shanghai. The CIIE held from November 5 to 10 aimed at gathering government officials, business communities, exhibitors and professional purchasers from across the world, and providing new channels for countries and regions to do business, strengthening cooperation and promoting the prosperity of global economics and trade. According to the CIIE, about 2,800 companies from more than 130 countries and regions will showcase products to an estimated 150,000 buyers at this 6-day event.
Etihad Aviation Group participated in the CIIE as an exhibitor with a dedicated stand covering more than 100 square meters at the trade in services sector in the business pavilion area. For the first time, Etihad Aviation Group exhibited its various business divisions to Chinese and international customers, including award-winning passenger and cargo services and products, state-of-the-art aviation training facilities for pilots and crew, industry-leading aircraft maintenance and engineering solutions, full event and leisure planning services by its destination management division, and much more.
Tony Douglas, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Aviation Group, said, “China is a strategically important market for Etihad. We have steadily and sustainably grown our presence in this country since we first entered the market in 2008. Currently, we operate daily flights between Abu Dhabi and China’s four main gateways – Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai and Hong Kong – and dedicated 777 freighter services between Abu Dhabi and two key trading ports in China: Shanghai and Hong Kong.”
China is the key trading partner of the UAE with non-oil trade expected to rise more than 9 per cent in 2018 to US$58 billion. He added, “Our daily connections are strengthening those relations by generating more revenue, creating jobs and attracting investment. They also enhance import and export activities via our hub Abu Dhabi. By leveraging the solid experiences in China and sound relationships with local partners nurtured through our airline business over the past 10 years, we are confident our other business functions will do just as well in this market under the mentality of “Embracing China, Expanding Partnership”, and thus bringing mutual benefits to our existing and potential partners. We are keen to expand our global footprint together with them.”