Blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), and other emerging technologies are profoundly reshaping global industrial structures and traditional business models. At the ongoing 11th China-Arab Business Conference and 9th Investment Seminar of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum, participants emphasized that deepened collaboration in areas such as the digital economy and intelligent manufacturing will inject fresh momentum into China-Arab relations and foster a new model of mutually beneficial cooperation.

Over the past decade, global technological innovation has accelerated rapidly—from the rise of platform economies and blockchain applications to breakthroughs in AI. Against this backdrop, China and Arab states have achieved notable results in sci-tech collaboration, particularly in technology transfer, resource integration, and capital linkage.

At the forum, Liu Desheng, Deputy General Manager of Tianjin TEDA Investment Holding Co., Ltd., shared the development story of the China-Egypt TEDA Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone. "After 15 years of development, the zone has attracted 185 enterprises, secured $3 billion in investment, generated $300 million in tax revenue, and created 10,000 local jobs," Liu said.

He added that the zone has prioritized the integration of technological innovation with industrial chains by establishing a bilateral platform for technology exchange. By aligning China's technological strengths in new energy and smart manufacturing with Egypt's geographic advantages and industrial upgrade needs, a digitalized industrial ecosystem has taken shape.

An increasing number of Chinese digital economy companies are expanding into Arab markets. Chen Nan, Vice President of Overseas Government Affairs at DiDi Global, noted that since entering Egypt in September 2021, DiDi has launched services in 10 cities including Cairo and Alexandria, reaching 65% of the urban population and enabling over 1 million local drivers to earn income.

Chen attributed the company's success to localized operations, such as negotiable ride fares and two-wheeled ride-hailing services. Looking ahead, DiDi plans to leverage AI to enhance Egypt's transportation infrastructure and support tourism growth.

At present, as global value chains face mounting uncertainty, experts see digital cooperation as key to deepening China-Arab ties in technology and industrial development.

Boutissam Dakoumi, Chief Representative in China for Attijariwafa Bank of Morocco, emphasized technology transfer as a cornerstone of Belt and Road cooperation. She noted that Chinese innovation can upskill Moroccan workers and drive economic growth. Morocco, she added, is actively engaging in the "Digital Silk Road," with recent events drawing tech giants like Huawei and ZTE—underscoring strong bilateral potential.

Abdullah Al Darmaki, Deputy Secretary-General of the Arab Federation for Digital Economy, said that areas such as e-government and digital payments are emerging frontiers for Arab states, with China as a key partner. By tapping into China's expertise in AI and digital innovation, Arab nations can build intelligent industrial chains, modernize public services, and co-develop e-commerce platforms under the Digital Silk Road framework.

Source: Chinanews.com, VOC