Dubai-based Metito Group, a leading provider of intelligent water management solutions, has announced plans to establish a regional headquarters in Dalian, Liaoning province, and to develop water projects on Changxing Island. These initiatives follow agreements signed in the port city of Northeast China on Monday.
Under the agreements, the initial investment for the regional headquarters will be $20 million, with further investments contingent on the scale and progress of the seawater desalination project.
Metito will also collaborate with Xizhong Island Petrochemical Park to develop industrial water, seawater desalination, and supporting pipeline projects. The total investment for these projects is expected to be around 1.2 billion yuan ($165 million).
“The projects are expected to significantly enhance infrastructure on Changxing Island,” stated Zhao Dong, head of the Dalian Changxing Island Economic and Technological Development Zone. Zhao highlighted the similarities between Changxing Island and Singapore’s Jurong Island, particularly in terms of resource endowment, industrial structure, and geographical environment.
Changxing Island, recognized as one of China’s seven major petrochemical industry bases, aims to develop a world-class green petrochemical industry. This endeavor requires the participation of top-tier companies and suppliers, Zhao noted.
Rami Ghandour, co-CEO of Metito, underscored the strategic importance of the seawater desalination project at Xizhong Island Petrochemical Park, describing it as a key entry point for the group into the Chinese market. Ghandour affirmed Metito’s commitment to making this a benchmark project for its expansion in China and strengthening ties between UAE enterprises and Dalian’s economic and trade sectors.
Ghandour praised Changxing Island’s achievements in developing a substantial green petrochemical industry base and commended Dalian’s notable economic and social progress, which he said gives confidence to businesses considering investments in the city. He also expressed his appreciation for the high level of attention and cooperation extended by Dalian and Changxing Island during his visit.
Xiong Maoping, Party chief of Dalian, expressed optimism about Metito’s potential to deepen economic, cultural, and tourism ties. During a meeting with Ghandour, Xiong expressed hope that Metito would facilitate more high-quality investments in Dalian and promote the entry of Dalian’s products and technologies into the Middle East market.
Xiong emphasized Dalian’s strategic location, strong industrial base, efficient shipping and logistics capabilities, technological innovation advantages, and sustainable urban ecosystem. He assured that the city would continue to enhance its business environment, providing better services and conditions for companies like Metito to invest and flourish in Dalian.