Dubai-headquartered Emirates NBD bank has opened its first office in China as trade between the United Arab Emirates and China continues to grow.

As part of the lender's international expansion strategy, the Beijing office will serve as a liaison point for its business banking activities in the country and across the rest of the Asia-Pacific, Emirates NBD said.

The office will also work closely with its Singapore branch, where trade and investment activities also continue to grow, it said.

"Over the last decade, China has emerged as one of the Gulf's most important trade partners, both as a leading energy importer and as the world's largest exporter.

"Indeed, the Chinese business base in the UAE has witnessed considerable expansion, giving rise to a sizeable Chinese business and residential community," said Hesham Al Qassim, vice-chairman of the bank.