High-ranking officials in China have praised the Arab vision for the digital economy, asserting that the UAE stands out as a model for innovation and digital transformation in the region.
These comments were made during a series of meetings held by the Arab Union for the Digital Economy with key officials from various Chinese provinces, including Hainan, Shanghai, and Zhejiang, as well as the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, in the context of the Global Digital Trade Exhibition taking place in Hangzhou, China.
One of the notable meetings involved a discussion with Paul Chan, the Finance Secretary of Hong Kong. During this meeting, the parties explored collaboration on establishing a joint industrial investment fund to support digital economy initiatives, along with reviewing the Union’s role in Hong Kong as a platform for engaging with local institutions.
The Secretary emphasized the significance of the Arab vision for the digital economy, noting that the UAE has set an advanced example in fostering innovation and driving digital transformation in the region.
The delegation also met with the Hong Kong Investment Agency, where they discussed opportunities for launching joint initiatives in fintech, data center development, and organizing events to introduce Arab companies to the city’s investment landscape and connect them with global innovation networks.
The agency expressed appreciation for the Union’s initiatives, affirming that partnerships with Arab economies significantly enhance international cooperation in the digital economy.
Additionally, the Arab Union for the Digital Economy met with Feng Fei, Secretary of the Hainan Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China, along with Ning Hongwen, Chairman of the Hainan Provincial Committee of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, and several senior government officials. The discussions focused on collaboration opportunities in data centers, digital financial systems, and cross-border data transfer mechanisms.
The Committee Secretary remarked that the Arab vision for the digital economy provides an advanced framework for international cooperation, commending the UAE’s role in supporting this vision and adopting strategic initiatives that contribute to the growth and advancement of the Arab digital economy.
The parties also reviewed the advantages of the Hainan Free Trade Port, which offers a progressive regulatory environment conducive to attracting investment and fostering innovation.
They agreed to strengthen collaboration in areas such as software development, smart agriculture, and digital tourism, as well as to organize joint international events to showcase experiences and share expertise.
In a separate meeting, the Arab Union for the Digital Economy engaged with Zhang Ying, Deputy Secretary-General of the Shanghai Municipal Government, where they discussed the city’s achievements in the digital economy, including a data exchange platform and support for startups in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and e-commerce.
The Chinese official highlighted that the Arab vision for the digital economy is a vital point of convergence for regional and international cooperation, emphasizing the UAE’s pioneering role in establishing innovation and digital transformation across the Arab region.
The discussions also encompassed opportunities for enhancing Arab digital systems by leveraging Chinese expertise to empower Arab economies in the global digital trade sphere and support sustainable development.
The tour concluded with a visit to Zhejiang Province, where the delegation met with Lu Shan, Deputy Governor of Zhejiang Province, to discuss prospects for collaboration in digital trade, innovative financial solutions, and support for entrepreneurs.
The Deputy Governor commended the Arab vision for the digital economy and its strategic initiatives, affirming that the UAE serves as a significant hub for leading digital innovation and technology-driven economic development.
The UAE pavilion at the Global Digital Trade Exhibition in Hangzhou has drawn considerable interest from international companies, investors, and visitors, showcasing advanced opportunities and services that advance digital trade while reflecting the country’s essential infrastructure and modern technologies that establish it as a leading destination in digital commerce.
Khalifa Al-Jaziri, Director of Licensing at the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, noted that the world has become a global village, and the future of trade lies in digital commerce. With high internet speeds and the advent of 5G technology, alongside advanced delivery systems, products can be delivered within the UAE in approximately thirty minutes. He emphasized that these factors facilitate the entry of global companies into the UAE market through digital platforms and modern applications.
He further explained that the UAE’s participation in the exhibition is not solely aimed at attracting foreign companies but also at enabling national firms to access international markets, including China, amidst other participating countries totaling fifty-six in the exhibition, which enhances growth and international expansion opportunities.
Al-Jaziri reiterated that this event presents a significant opportunity for entrepreneurs and small to medium-sized enterprises to discover the latest global market products and utilize them to locally develop their offerings, thereby reinforcing the UAE’s position as a central hub for digital trade in the region and globally.