On the occasion of the 3rd China-Arab States Young Political Leaders Forum, scheduled from November 27 to 28 in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, a press conference was held to offer previews on the major cooperative focuses and key issues of the forum.

The forum, themed 'Contributing Youth Power to Building a China-Arab Community with a Shared Future in the New Era', will be divided into three sub-forum discussions, field visits, a promotion session on the spirit of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, as well as a Tree Planting Experience of the International Friendship Forest.

In addition, the Declaration on the Global Civilization Initiative of the Third China-Arab States Young Leaders Forum will also be issued later.

Face-to-face dialogue for the first time

According to Jiao Zhixin, Director of the Third Bureau of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, the forum is a collaborative mechanism by the CPC and political parties of Arab countries to strengthen exchange between young elites from China and Arab countries.

For two sessions in a row, it has played a positive role in enhancing mutual learning, exchanges, and cooperation between Chinese and Arab young political leaders.

Held face-to-face for the first time, the forum will gather over 100 young leaders from 21 Arab countries, with backgrounds ranging from political parties, legislative bodies, government departments, think tanks, media, universities, and enterprises, in addition to some key state representatives from the region.

Continued efforts to build closer China-Arab ties

To date, a total of 20 Arab countries have established a comprehensive strategic partnership or strategic partnership with China, and 22 Arab countries have joined China on the 'Belt and Road' Initiatives (BRI) and yielded win-win results in major programs, as pointed out at the conference.

China has been the largest trading partner of Arab countries for many years in a row, registering $398.1 billion in 2023, ten times higher than the record in 2004, which was $36.7 billion.

China and Arab countries have carried out more than 200 large-scale projects under the BRI, benefiting two billion people from both sides. The two sides will continue to deepen cooperation in oil, gas, and infrastructure, and tap into potential in new energy, high-tech, investment, and finance.

China, along with Arab countries, has gained a stronger presence in the 'Global South' and is shaping a new international order. Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia have joined BRICS. Six Arab countries, including Qatar and Kuwait, have become partners of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

Strategic communication between China and Arab countries in global governance, international affairs, and multilateral occasions has become increasingly evident over the years.

Jiao pointed out that the forum will further enhance China-Arab civilization dialogue, youth exchanges, and go a long way toward building a China-Arab community with a shared future.

Guangdong leads the way in China-Arab cooperation

Cang Feng, Deputy Director General of the Office of Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Guangdong Committee, pointed out the background of why Guangdong was chosen to host the forum this year.

He said Guangdong has always been one of the closest trading partners with Arab countries for many years. In the first three quarters of 2024, foreign trade between Guangdong and Arab countries reached 269.4 billion yuan, a 12.7% increase on a year-on-year basis. 34,000 businessmen from Arab countries attended the 136th Canton Fair which concluded earlier this November.

Lin Rituan, Deputy Secretary-General of the Zhuhai Municipal Government, stressed that the city will actively engage with Arab countries in economic and trade exchanges, cultural exchanges, sports, tourism, and aerospace.

As of October 2024, Zhuhai is home to 18,500 foreign-invested enterprises, including Walmart, Shell, Philips, and Panasonic. From January to October 2024, the city has registered a total trade of over 22 billion yuan with Arab countries. He welcomed young political leaders to explore exciting business opportunities in Zhuhai and hopes the city will elevate its partnership with Arab countries to a new level.