press conference at Expo Centre Sharjah Abu Dhabi - Arab Today Bilateral trade between the UAE and China has surged nearly 14 per cent in the first half of this year, with GCC countries accounting for up to 70 per cent of China's trade with Arab countries. This was announced at a press conference held at Expo Centre Sharjah to announce the details of the 12th Chinese Commodities Fair Sharjah (CCFS), commencing next Monday. In value terms, from January to June, trade between the countries reached US$21.435 billion, a 13.68 per cent growth from the same period last year, with China's exports to the UAE standing at US$15.444 billion and exports from the UAE to China touching US$5.991 billion. In 2012, bilateral trade between China and the UAE stood at US$40.42 billion, according to Chinese Customs statistics. The press conference was addressed by Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO, Expo Centre Sharjah and Patrick Zheng Shuo, General Manager, China Machinery and Electronics Products Exhibition Centre (Chinamex). "The Chinese Commodities Fair Sharjah has been playing the role of a catalyst in boosting bilateral trade between the UAE and China. The UAE is now China's largest export market and the second largest trade partner among Arab countries. The 12th edition of the show will continue to cement the trade and economic activities between the countries and offer immense opportunities for traders and investors from both sides," said Mr. Midfa. Patrick Zheng Shuo said, "For its 12th edition, the show will focus on Chinese green food and visitors can expect fresh fruits, vegetables '&' grains, dry fruits, beverages and frozen food. Apart from the green food, there will be exhibitors displaying fast food and puffed food processing equipment." According to Sharjah Expo Centre, about 150 leading producers and dealers from various Chinese provinces have already booked their space for the show. "CCFS 2013 will also feature Chinese traditional folk arts and Chinese kite making to be presented by the Traditional Folk Art Institution from Mountain Tai of Shandong Province, apart from the display and sale of paintings by famous Chinese artists," added Zheng Shuo. For the first time, exhibitors from South Korea will also take part in CCFS 2013, displaying health and nutritional products. Source: WAM