Interest in imports from China is high. The Chinese consulate’s commercial section in Dubai reported a continual stream of visitors in the run-up to the exhibition from companies wanting to do business for the first time with China. More than 4,000 Chinese traders visited the emirates on government and private missions last year. As a result of this activity, China’s exports to the UAE have almost doubled from $279.5 million in 1990 to $522.7 million in 1992, according to Chinese government statistics. Dubai’s statistics show that China was the fifth largest supplier in 1990.