On the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the United Arab Emirates, Yangpu Port and Abu Dhabi Port have officially become sister ports. This significant development was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by representatives from the Yangpu Economic Development Zone Management Committee, Abu Dhabi Ports Group, COSCO Shipping Ports Abu Dhabi Terminals, and Hainan Ports and Shipping International Ports.

The agreement outlines a commitment to joint promotion of cooperation between Yangpu Port and Abu Dhabi Port. Key areas of collaboration include port construction, shipping services, and green energy initiatives. The partnership aims to enhance the capacity of both ports and collectively expand market reach for China and the UAE.

Both Abu Dhabi Port and Yangpu Port hold strategic importance as major hub ports for COSCO Shipping Group within the Asia-Pacific region. COSCO Shipping Group currently operates 43 routes connected to Yangpu International Container Terminal and 20 routes linked to Abu Dhabi Terminal. Notably, a direct "Yangpu-Abu Dhabi" shipping route was successfully launched in April of this year.

COSCO Shipping has stated its intention to leverage the distinct advantages offered by the Hainan Free Trade Port and the Abu Dhabi Free Trade Zone. This will involve accelerating the development of both Yangpu Port and Abu Dhabi Terminal, establishing a comprehensive route network, and integrating these sister ports into the global shipping network. The company anticipates that this will further solidify the regional hub status of both ports and significantly contribute to bilateral and regional economic and trade exchanges between China and the Arab world.