Date: April 29, 2025
Hainan, China
Reflecting the growing trend toward deepening the digital economic partnership between the Arab world and China, Dr. Abdullah Al Darmaki, Deputy Secretary-General of the Arab Federation for Digital Economy, led the Federation’s delegation in a series of high-level official meetings during the 11th China-Arab Business Conference and the 9th Investment Forum, hosted by Haikou, Hainan Province, China.
In the panel discussion titled “Deepening Scientific and Technological Innovation to Drive Industrial Upgrading,” Dr. Al Darmaki presented the innovative practices of Middle Eastern capital in supporting the development of Chinese technology industries. He emphasized the importance of building joint investment models that enhance the efficiency of digital infrastructure and contribute to the creation of new smart markets in third-party regions.
High-Level Government Meetings: Supporting a Joint Forum and Future Industrial Investment
The Federation’s delegation met with a number of Chinese leaders, including the Governor of Hainan Province, Mr. Liu Xiaoming, and the secretaries of the Party committees in the municipalities of Haikou and Sanya. During the meetings, Dr. Al Darmaki presented the Federation’s activities and areas of work, and proposed the establishment of the “Arab Digital Economy Federation Forum – China,” as well as the launch of a joint industrial investment fund based in Haikou or Sanya.
The proposal received positive feedback from the Chinese side, and the integration between this initiative and the strategic vision of the Hainan Free Trade Port was discussed, particularly with regard to maritime financial innovation and the establishment of an international data center. Dr. Al Darmaki also extended an official invitation to attend and participate in the “Seamless Middle East 2025” summit, scheduled to be held in Dubai on May 20.
Strengthening Institutional Cooperation with the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT)
The institutional meetings included a meeting with the senior leadership of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), where Mr. Ren Hongbin, President of the Council, expressed his appreciation for the Federation’s objectives and strategic vision in supporting digital transformation in the Arab region.
Vice Minister Wang Li gave a detailed presentation on the Council’s network, which covers more than 300 Chinese cities, proposing direct logistical support to expand the Federation’s activities within China. It was also agreed to activate the role of the Regional Representative of the Council’s Gulf Office to extend invitations to more than 218 Middle Eastern institutions operating in China, including those in the energy infrastructure, smart equipment, and green technology sectors, to participate in Seamless 2025.
Technical Cooperation with ChenAn Technology to Enhance Digital Infrastructure
As part of the visit program, the Federation delegation met with the management of ChenAn Technology, a subsidiary of China Telecom Global Group, which showcased its technical capabilities in the fields of smart cities, the Industrial Internet of Things, and emergency systems management.
A preliminary understanding was reached regarding cooperation in developing third-party markets and exporting digital infrastructure standards based on both parties’ expertise. It was also proposed to launch pilot projects that leverage the union’s network of relationships with Gulf governments and the region’s private sector.
Towards an Advanced Arab-Chinese Partnership in the Digital Economy
These meetings collectively reflect a shared interest between the Arab and Chinese sides in promoting digital and industrial integration through cooperative investment models that combine smart financing, advanced technology, and a flexible regulatory structure, with the aim of building a more connected and efficient economic system in the region.
