SHANGHAI — The Annual Investment Meeting (AIM) Congress, the world’s leading platform for investment and economic cooperation, officially inaugurated its first international chapter in Shanghai, marking a historic milestone in AIM’s global expansion and mission to advance innovation, sustainable growth, and cross-border collaboration.
Held at the Jing An Shangri-La Hotel from November 7–8, 2025, and organized by the AIM Global Foundation, the event convened under the theme “Deciphering the Intertwined Engines of Globalization: ‘From Going Out’ to ‘Going Up.’”
The Opening Ceremony brought together senior government officials, policy leaders, and business figures from the UAE, China, and the global investment community. Distinguished guests included H.E. Hussain Ibrahim Al Hammadi, UAE Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China; Pu Yapeng, Vice Chairman of the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Economy and Informatization; Rae Kwon Chung, Ambassador for Climate Change and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate; and H.E. Dawood Al Shezawi, Chairman of AIM Global Foundation.
Delivering the official remarks, H.E. Hussain Ibrahim Al Hammadi underscored the strategic depth of UAE-China relations and the growing economic ties between the two nations. He highlighted the UAE’s position as a key regional gateway and trusted global partner.
Hussain Ibrahim.
“Today, the UAE has become China’s most important non-oil trading partner in the Middle East. It also serves as a pivotal hub linking China to regional and global markets across Asia, Africa, and Europe — thanks to its strategic location, advanced infrastructure, flexible economic policies, and investment-friendly environment that support sustainable growth and free trade,” said Al Hammadi.
A highlight of the ceremony was the signing of four landmark Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between the Beijing Chamber of International Commerce (BCIC) and AIM Global Foundation; the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Nanjing Sub-council (CCPIT Nanjing) and AIM Global Foundation; DaoDe Investment (DDI) and AIM Global Foundation; and the Shenzhen Chamber of Commerce and AIM Global Foundation. These agreements lay the groundwork for enhanced cooperation in innovation, sustainability, and trade development.
Over two days, the AIM Congress China Chapter 2025 will host 85 international speakers across 15 high-level sessions and more than 1,000 participants from 45 countries. Discussions will span topics such as artificial intelligence, climate-conscious finance, the digital economy, and inclusive urban development — reflecting AIM’s mission to connect policy, technology, and investment for shared progress.
Reflecting on the event’s significance, H.E. Dawood Al Shezawi, Chairman of AIM Global Foundation, said:
“We are not just here to discuss investment; we are here to forge the future of the global economy. The AIM Global Foundation was created to connect investment with purpose — to ensure that prosperity is not only measurable but meaningful. The opportunities are in this room, and the partnerships start today.”
Dawood-Al-Shezawi
During the ceremony, AIM Global Foundation also announced the upcoming “Tycoons” — a global private networking event scheduled for April 12, 2025, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The exclusive gathering will bring together 500 prominent leaders, including 250 UAE-based executives and 250 international participants representing sovereign wealth funds, Fortune Global 500 corporations, family offices, institutional investors, and unicorn founders. Designed as a high-level forum for strategic dialogue, Tycoons will promote collaboration and knowledge exchange across key industries and markets.
The forum further spotlighted the forthcoming AIM Congress 2026, set to take place from April 13–15, 2026, at the Dubai World Trade Centre under the theme “Reshaping Global Prosperity: Unlocking New Investment Pathways Towards a Sustainable and Inclusive Future.” The 2026 edition will host more than 25,000 participants from 180 countries, including over 1,400 speakers and 1,385 delegates, reaffirming AIM’s position as the world’s premier investment platform for governments, business leaders, and entrepreneurs.
Built around three key pillars — Global Markets, Future Economies, and NexGen — AIM 2026 will explore how innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability can jointly drive global prosperity.
The AIM Congress China Chapter 2025 stands as a landmark moment in international investment cooperation and a symbol of the deepening partnership between the UAE and China. By uniting decision-makers, innovators, and policymakers from around the world, AIM continues to strengthen its role as a bridge between markets — advancing sustainable development, economic resilience, and inclusive growth. (GlobeNewswire)
