On November 28, the 3rd China-Arab States Young Political Leaders Forum concluded in Zhuhai, Guangdong. The Declaration on the Implementation of the Global Civilization Initiative was announced at the closing ceremony, with a stronger consensus to enhance China-Arab ties.

The forum was held under the theme "Contributing Youth Power to Building a China-Arab Community with a Shared Future in the New Era", bringing together over 100 young political leaders from 21 Arab states. In-depth exchanges were made to enhance the China-Arab partnership through face-to-face dialogues.

(Delegates from Arab states at the promotion session for the GBA. /Photo by Qin Shaolong)

The forum discussed topics regarding jointly building the "Belt and Road", the Global Civilization Initiative, China-Arab people-to-people exchanges, and China's role in the Middle East.

Guangdong presents business opportunities for Arab states

Before the forum came to an end on November 28, a promotion session, themed on the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) under comprehensively deepening reform, was held to present investment opportunities and development dividends for Arab state delegates.

Zhu Wei, Deputy Director of the Guangdong Provincial Development and Reform Commission made a speech at the promotion session for the GBA. (Photo by Qin Shaolong)

Zhu Wei, Deputy Director of the Guangdong Provincial Development and Reform Commission, analyzed that the GBA, until now, has become one of the most open regions with strong economic performance in China. It provides endless opportunities for global partners including Arab countries.

"In recent years, we have achieved positive outcomes in terms of our goal of generating high-quality development in the GBA. We see that a framework of a world-class bay area and a world-class city cluster have basically taken shape," he said at the closing ceremony of the forum, "with world-class ports and airports that shape an international logistics network."

"Guangdong has expanded trade and economic engagement with the Arab world, with growing numbers in many areas," said Cang Feng, Deputy Director General of the Office of Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Guangdong Committee.

As statistics show, Guangdong has one of the largest trading partnerships with Arab countries in China. Taking the first three quarters of 2024, for example, the value of import and export of goods was calculated at 269.4 billion yuan, which marked an increase of 12.76% compared to the same period last year. 34,000 businessmen from Arab countries attended the 136th Canton Fair, which concluded earlier this November.

China-Arab enterprises yield win-win results

China and Arab states hold great complementarity in economy, and that gives room for businesses from both sides, which is well-proven by the case of Yunzhou Intelligent, an unmanned boat manufacturer in Zhuhai, which has grown its international presence in markets including Singapore, Qatar, and the UK.

As highlighted by Yunzhou's representative Tang Zili at the closing ceremony, China has reserves of excellent technology, a reliable industrial foundation, and huge manufacturing capacity. On the other hand, the Middle East is an untapped market with talent and a driving force of innovation.

"China and Arab countries share the same climate goals. Unmanned boat technology goes a long way in helping us cut our emissions and conserve energy," Tang said. He expects to have greater teamwork with partners in the Middle East and contribute to the regional scheme of the marine economy.

A Middle Eastern delegate from Al-Asasyah, a closer partner with Gree, a globally noted home appliance brand in Zhuhai, also shared a success story that should provide experience for companies on both sides.

(Saudi Arabian business delegate spoke on ongoing projects with Chinese enterprises. /Photo by Qin Shaolong)

Al-Asasyah has joined forces with Gree to build a factory in Dammam City, home to the largest port on the Persian Gulf. The factory is now running in fine order to produce air conditioners and various electrical appliances for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) market. Its member states include Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain.

"In the long run, enterprises from Guangdong are actively involved in our 'Vision 2030' in Saudi Arabia, with 'zero carbon' required for project construction," said a representative at Al-Asasyah.