Welcome to the China-Arab States Expo 2023, a premier event that serves as a vital platform for fostering economic and cultural ties between China and the Arab world. This expo, building upon its previous successful editions, brings together representatives from both regions to explore opportunities for collaboration, trade, and innovation.
The sixth China-Arab States Expo, aimed at strengthening ties between China and Arab nations, concluded with a significant achievement. Companies from various sectors, including trade, agriculture, energy, green initiatives, and medical care, signed deals totaling 171 billion yuan (equivalent to US$23.4 billion). The event, held in Yinchuan, Ningxia’s northwestern region, drew officials from over 60 countries and more than 1,000 representatives from foreign agencies in China.
Additionally, it featured the participation of over 220 foreign chambers and companies, along with over 150 Chinese businesses. While specific company details for the deals remain undisclosed, the expo also featured a technology transfer and innovation conference, leading to eight agreements between Chinese agencies and research entities from countries such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, focusing on desertification treatment and smart agriculture.
Over the past year, China has taken steps to strengthen its ties with several Middle Eastern countries, leveraging the diminishing U.S. interest and influence in the region. In addition to enhancing trade relationships, Beijing has also increased its visibility by mediating an agreement to reestablish diplomatic ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia.
The official WeChat account of the expo reported a mutual consensus between China and Arab nations regarding the importance of enhancing agricultural collaborations. During the event, agreements worth 3.4 billion yuan were inked in the agricultural sector. Additionally, Chinese companies utilized the platform to exhibit 300 technologies related to agriculture, maritime activities, and environmental protection. State media highlighted that these technologies were tailored to meet the specific requirements of Arab states.
Official data from Beijing indicates that the total trade in agricultural products between China and Arab countries amounted to US$5 billion in the previous year, marking a twofold increase compared to the 2016 figures.
Zhang Enhong, who serves as the director of the Chinese Center for Animal Husbandry Technology in Mauritania, informed Xinhua that Chinese scientists have played a vital role in enhancing soil quality in this North African nation. They have also conducted experiments on 34 varieties of forage crops intended for livestock.
He stated, “Animal husbandry is one of the pillar industries in this country in northwest Africa, but 80 per cent of its lands are desert and its dry season is long.”
During the inaugural China-Arab States Summit held in Riyadh in December, President Xi Jinping of China presented a set of eight significant proposals, one of which was focused on food security. Xi made a commitment to establish five collaborative modern agriculture laboratories and implement 50 demonstration projects. Additionally, China expressed its intention to dispatch 500 scientists to Arab nations with the aim of enhancing grain production.
(Source: Kandy Wong | South China Morning Post)
