Grant Thornton Launches China Desk to Boost Cross-Border Business

Grant Thornton, a leading professional services firm, announced the launch of its China desk as part of its UAE operations to facilitate, plan, and manage cross-border business expansions between China and the Middle East.

The introduction of the new vertical aims to support the increasing demand from clients across various sectors, driven by the significant growth in trading activity in response to the strengthening bilateral relations between China and the UAE.

Expertise and Connectivity:

Led by advisory director Alex Tsui, Grant Thornton UAE’s China Desk comprises Mandarin-speaking experts who are the primary point of contact for prospective clients in China and the Middle East regarding audit, advisory, tax, and business process solutions. 

The China Desk will seamlessly connect these clients with the relevant teams across Grant Thornton’s global network and the local offices in the Middle East region.

UAE’s non-oil foreign trade of goods and services surpassed Dh3.5 trillion in 2023, with non-oil trade with China increasing by 4.2 percent. Bilateral trade between the UAE and China will reach $200 billion annually by 2030.

Hisham Farouk, CEO of Grant Thornton UAE, expressed excitement about the launch. He stressed the importance of supporting Chinese and Middle Eastern businesses and fostering their path to global success.

Navigating Cross-Border Business:

Alex Tsui, Advisory Director at Grant Thornton UAE, highlighted the significance of the China Desk in navigating the intricate paths of cross-border business, ensuring client expansion goals thrive in dynamic business environments.

The new China Desk at Grant Thornton represents a remarkable milestone in the organization’s legacy of providing enhanced client experience with an ever-expanding suite of services and offerings.

Dubai’s Emergence as a Wealth Hub:

Many wealth managers are setting up offices in Dubai, which is emerging as a preferred wealth hub for many entrepreneurs and rich families in Asia, mainly China, as they look to capitalize on warming diplomatic ties between Beijing and the Middle East.