Arab World and China Cooperation and News.

[al-Hasani]

Saudi students in China studying at their own expense to get scholarships
China keen on strategic oil storage​

Crown Prince Salman Bin Abdul Aziz, Deputy Premier and Minister of Defense, receives in Beijing on Saturday a Saudi student during a meeting with a group of Saudi scholarship students studying in Chinese universities. – SPA​

Faheem Al-Hamid
Okaz/Saudi Gazette

Last updated: Sunday, March 16, 2014 12:35 AM

BEIJING – Saudi students studying in Chinese universities and institutes at their own expense will get scholarships as per the directives of Crown Prince Salman Bin Abdul Aziz, Deputy Premier and Minister of Defense.
This was stated by Acting Saudi Cultural Attache to China Othman Al-Abdul Kareem here on Saturday.

Crown Prince Salman said here that he was happy to see Saudi students studying in various parts the world and gaining experience to serve their religion and nation. Addressing a group of Saudi scholarship students studying in Chinese universities, the Crown Prince said, “In the past we used to sign contracts with teachers from outside the Kingdom, but now all our officials, presidents of universities and deans of faculties are Saudi nationals, thanks to Allah. Also, we see our daughters in all fields of life. They have been educated in various parts of the world.”

The Crown Prince also received Chinese State Councilor and Defense Minister Chang Wanquan.

In a separate meeting, Crown Prince Salman received the presidents of the Islamic societies and centers and grand mosques in Beijing and other provinces.

On the sidelines of the visit of the Crown Prince, the Saudi-Chinese Business Forum, organized by the Saudi Arabian General Investments Authority (SAGIA), was inaugurated.

Earlier at a press conference here, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Ali Al-Naimi said that China has expressed interest in signing contracts for strategic storage of oil. The Kingdom will cooperate with China, he said, adding that the government attaches great importance to strategic storage and has already signed contracts with Korea, Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore.

“China suggested that the private instead of the public sector in both countries should invest in petrochemical industries. We’ll study this suggestion and decide based on our common interests,” Naimi said.

The Kingdom’s oil supply to China will not be decreased, rather it will increase because China is a huge country and needs more oil to meet its expanding industries, the minister said.

Addressing the press briefing Minister of Finance Dr. Ibrahim Al-Assaf said that the Kingdom’s inflation rate is decreasing, which indicates that the country can continue increasing its spending on mega development projects.
“The Kingdom’s financial position is good and we can increase our spending without any effect on us,” Dr. Al-Assaf said.

The volume of bilateral trade stood at $40 billion in the beginning while the targeted ceiling was $60 billion. However, today’s trade volume has jumped to a whopping $74 billion. Non-oil exports, mainly oil derivatives, to China have risen to $11 billion, Al-Assaf said.

“China is very much interested in having a free trade agreement with GCC countries. We’re interested as well and we’ll hold more talks on the issue now that we’ve stopped our negotiations, as GCC countries, with the European Union,” he said.

Minister of Culture and Information Dr. Abdulaziz Khoja said China strongly supports the Kingdom’s positions and policies regarding Egypt. “It’s keen to coordinate with us continuously regarding the region’s issues because it knows the Kingdom always takes the right decisions which ensure peace and stability for the entire region,” Dr. Khoja said.

Minister of Commerce and Industry Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah said China is the Kingdom’s largest trade partner, noting that the bilateral volume of trade has increase tenfold and is expected to rise.

Saudi students in China studying at their own expense to get scholarships | Front Page | Saudi Gazette

Exporters of fake Chinese goods to be blacklisted

Trade and Industry Minister Tawfiq Al-Rabiah​

RIYADH: ABDUL HANNAN TAGO

Published — Sunday 16 March 2014

Last update 16 March 2014 1:07 am

Trade and Industry Minister Tawfiq Al-Rabiah has said that merchants and factories that engage in the adulteration of products in either the Kingdom or China would be blacklisted.
Al-Rabiah made his statement following the signing of a cooperation agreement with the Chinese Public Department for Quality Control, Test and Quarantine, to combat counterfeit and imitation goods during the visit of Crown Prince Salman, deputy prime minister and minister of defense, to China.
The minister pointed out that the agreement aims to reduce the flow of counterfeit consumer goods to Saudi markets by undertaking several measures, including blacklisting merchants and factories that engage in such practices, to prevent the export or import of such goods.
The agreement also calls for blacklisting laboratories and awarding certificates of conformity to counteract this phenomenon.
According to Al-Rabiah, the agreement includes a provision to draft a joint blacklist for exporters and importers of low-quality commodities, in addition to imposing sanctions on the exporter or the source found guilty of such practices.
“It took a long time until we reached this stage, during which the two sides reviewed international trade practices and took into account the experience of the European Union,” he said. “The agreement includes notifying the other party when punishment is incurred on the source and exchanging information on mutual findings. The two countries will also hold follow-up meetings to ensure that the agreement is being continuously implemented.”
The minister noted that the sanctions adopted in the convention would be subsumed under the system of penalties for commercial fraud, which is applied by the ministry. These include systems defamation, fines and other means of punishment within the same system. China will also apply these penalties.
According to Al-Rabiah, penalties prescribed in the system of commercial fraud in the Kingdom are considered very effective in reducing the number of cases of commercial fraud. He said that both sides will hold meetings every three months in Saudi Arabia with commercial attachés in China to ensure the implementation of the convention.
Abdullah Al-Mobty, president of the Council of Saudi Chambers (CSC), described the agreement as one of many milestones in the history of the Ministry of Trade and Industry.
According to Al-Mobty, the volume of trade between the two countries has reached $72 billion. He said trade includes hazardous imitation goods.
He urged Saudi businessmen to take precautionary measures in their business dealings and not to accept questionable goods.
He advised them to send representatives to China to ensure sound product specification and packaging and test samples before shipping. Al-Mobty also warned companies against relying on middlemen and brokers.
Authorities also discussed the idea of manufacturing Chinese products locally rather than relying solely on imports from China in order to support national industrial and commercial growth.

Exporters of fake Chinese goods to be blacklisted | Arab News — Saudi Arabia News, Middle East News, Opinion, Economy and more.

 

[Chinese-Dragon]

Beginning of a fresh era
Kingdom, China ink four cooperation accords​

Crown Prince Salman Bin Abdul Aziz holds talks with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang at Ziguangge Pavilion in the Zhongnanhai leaders’ compound in Beijing, Friday. — Reuters​

Last updated: Saturday, March 15, 2014 12:07 AM

BEIJING — The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and China Friday began a new era of cooperation and understanding and cemented their relations further by signing four agreements in the field of bilateral investments, scientific research, quality control and education.

Crown Prince Salman Bin Abdul Aziz, deputy premier and minister of defense, described the agreements as satisfactory.

Crown Prince Salman also held talks with Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang.

After talks with Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao, the crown prince said he was satisfied with the “identity of views” on various bilateral and international issues during his talks with Chinese leaders. On bilateral issues, the crown prince said, the two sides have agreed to expand the circle of cooperation, especially in the political, security, economic, commercial, industrial, scientific, technological, energy and cultural fields and work for tightening the contacts between the private sectors in both countries and entering into joint ventures and investments to the mutual interest of the two friendly peoples.

The agreement on cooperation program between the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of the Kingdom and the Public Department for Quality Control, Tests and Quarantine of China, was signed by Kingdom’s Minister of Commerce and Industry Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabia and Chi Shoping, president of the Chinese department.

Awesome.

This is what I would call "full spectrum cooperation".

I hope to see more students from both sides going across to increase their knowledge and experience. I would love to see a lot more corporate joint-ventures as well, I can see a huge benefit from this.

 

[al-Hasani]

Awesome.

This is what I would call "full spectrum cooperation".

I hope to see more students from both sides going across to increase their knowledge and experience. I would love to see a lot more corporate joint-ventures as well, I can see a huge benefit from this.

Indeed. It's very, very good news. I have always propagandized for closer ties with China on all fields as you may know already.

Here is a short video of the visit. You can see the Saudi Arabian delegation and the many Saudi Arabian students attending the meeting in Beijing.

 

[Chinese-Dragon]

Indeed. It's very, very good news. I have always propagandized for closer ties with China on all fields as you may know already.

Here is a short video of the visit. You can see the Saudi Arabian delegation and the many Saudi Arabian students attending the meeting in Beijing.

I know from personal experience of Arab students in Hong Kong (my city ), but I don't have as much experience regarding Mainland Universities.

Found some good reading though:

Over 40 universities in China teach Arabic | Arab News — Saudi Arabia News, Middle East News, Opinion, Economy and more.

Hopefully the learning of the Arabic language will snowball in China very soon. The two main Western languages will be English and Spanish, and the two main Eastern languages will be Chinese and Arabic. (I know India has a large population, however they have English as their de facto official language already).

 

[al-Hasani]

@Chinese-Dragon

You are very correct. English and Spanish are the two most spoken languages of the Western world while Arabic and Chinese are the two most spoken languages of the East. So no wonder that 4 of those languages are in the top 5 when it comes to the most spoken languages of the world.

I actually posted that article and it is great news. I hope that more universities in KSA will introduce Chinese. As well as the school system outside the universities. Preferably from a young age. Anyway I covered that topic extensively but it is my big hope.

KSA, China agree to expand cooperation


Crown Prince Salman Bin Abdul Aziz, Deputy Premier and Minister of Defense, arrives in Riyadh from Beijing on Sunday after a whirlwind tour to Pakistan, Japan, India, Maldives and China. — SPA​

Last updated: Sunday, March 16, 2014 11:38 PM

Saudi Gazette report

BEIJING – Saudi Arabia and China have expressed their determination to raise the level of strategic relations and agreed to deepen cooperation in all fields.

A joint communique issued on Sunday on the conclusion of the official visit to China by Crown Prince Salman Bin Abdul Aziz, Deputy Premier and Minister of Defense, said the two sides expressed their willingness to continue strengthening cooperation in the field of energy and stressed the importance of the stability of the oil market. The Chinese side expressed appreciation of the prominent role being played by the Kingdom to ensure the stability of world oil market.

The Kingdom and China agreed to strengthen cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, minerals, infrastructure, including railways, science and advanced technology, including the peaceful use of nuclear energy. They also agreed to encourage businessmen in both countries to intensify the exchange of visits.

The Chinese side appreciated the Kingdom’s positive role in advancing negotiations between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and China on the establishment of a free trade zone between them. The two sides noted that the establishment of a Chinese-Gulf Free Trade Zone as soon as possible under the current circumstances is in the common interest of both sides.

The two sides expressed satisfaction at the progress that relations between the two countries have achieved since the establishment of their diplomatic ties 24 years ago.

The two sides expressed grave concern over the seriousness of the situation in Syria. They reaffirmed the need to find an urgent peaceful political settlement of the Syrian issue and full implementation of the Statement of Geneva, which was reached on June 30, 2012 and which included the establishment of a transitional ruling commission with full executive powers in the interest of the fate of Syria and the overall interests of its people.

They also stressed the importance of continuing the humanitarian assistance and relief work for Syrian refugees and encourage the international community to provide more support for Syrians inside Syria and abroad.

The two sides stressed the categorical rejection of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations that threaten the peace and stability. They expressed their willingness to enhance security cooperation in this regard and stressed the refusal to link terrorism with any religion or doctrine. In this regard, the Saudi side expressed its condemnation of the grave terrorist acts of violence in Kunming city, China, which killed a number of innocent people.

KSA, China agree to expand cooperation | Front Page | Saudi Gazette

 

[al-Hasani]

No English translation unfortunately for the Chinese friends.

It's about the growing ties between KSA and China and youth from both countries talking about their visit to each country.​

 

[al-Hasani]

Saudi-Chinese consortium to build four hospitals
​

DAMMAM: ARAB NEWS

Published — Monday 21 April 2014

Last update 21 April 2014 2:25 am

A Saudi and a Chinese company have joined hands to build four private hospitals in Dammam, Jubail, Riyadh, and Jizan at a total cost of over SR1.3 billion, local media reported.
“All the preparations have been made including the obtaining of the mandatory official licenses and the purchase of the lands covering an area of 20,000 square meters in Dammam, 25,000 sqm in Jubail, 25,000 sqm in Riyadh and 20,000 sqm in Jazan,” said Muhammed Al-Ahamd, board member of the Saudi Trans Sadara Co., which owns 50 percent of the joint-venture company.
The Chinese company, which owns 50 percent of the projects, is an investment company located in Hong Kong, he pointed out.

He said that the Chinese company had agreed to invest in the Kingdom owing to the lucrative foreign investments in the Saudi market coupled with the stable political climate in the country.
The joint venture project also aims to enhance the awareness of Chinese therapy due to the repeated visits of Saudi patients to China for treatment, he added.
Regarding the need for such hospitals in the Kingdom, he said feasibility studies have shown the necessity to establish such hospitals in the Eastern Province especially due to the existence of giant companies such as Saudi Arabian Oil Co. (Saudi Aramco), Saudi Basic Industries Corp. (SABIC) and Saudi Electricity Co. (SEC) in addition to high rates of population.
Elaborating on the hospitals’ capacity and facilities, he said, “Each hospital accommodates 200 beds and includes out-patients clinics, pharmacies, rehabilitation centers, housing for medical staff, and one-day-surgery departments.”
The four hospitals are expected to go into full operation by the end of 2017 and will provide over 2,000 jobs for young male and female Saudis in the fields of pharmacy, nursing, administrative affairs, procurement, marketing and safety and security, he pointed out.

Saudi-Chinese consortium to build four hospitals | Arab News — Saudi Arabia News, Middle East News, Opinion, Economy and more.

 

[al-Hasani]

Saudi Arabia signs deal for China's Pterodactyl drone​

Saudi Arabia has signed an agreement to purchase China's Wing Loong medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle, otherwise known as the Pterodactyl I, reports Huanqiu, the website of China's nationalistic tabloid Global Times.

Citing Russian military news, the Global Times said Saudi crown prince Salman sealed the deal with People's Liberation Army general Wang Guanzhong during a visit to China in mid-April, making Saudi Arabia the first Arab country to acquire the drone.

It is not clear how many units were ordered, though the Chinese drones are said to be designed along the lines of the MQ-1 Predator of the United States, with surveillance capabilities and the ability to carry two matched air-to-surface missiles.

The Wing Loong was developed by the Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group. According to the statement released by the company last year, the drone has already been sold to four foreign countries, including an unnamed county in Central Asia, with a series of negotiations still ongoing with other potential clients.

Saudi Arabia signs deal for China's Pterodactyl drone｜Politics｜News｜WantChinaTimes.com

Thanks to @Arabian Legend for posting the news in the Arab Defence section. It also fits into this thread so I posted it here.

Wonderful. This is great news. Once again let me state my happiness of closer Saudi Arabian and Arab ties with China. I always been a big proponent of closer ties with China and the remaining Asia and to revive the ancient Sino-Arab relations.

China, the future world power, is a trusted partner and have never harmed the Arab world. Chinese people enjoy a good reputation in the Arab world and are respected and so are their country. Nearly 500.000 Chinese people are living in the GCC and thousands do business with the region and vice versa. This is great to see.

@Chinese-Dragon @ChineseTiger1986 @Wholegrain @Hu Songshan

 

[ChineseTiger1986]

Wonderful news, would KSA interest in China's near future warship?

China could sell for just a little more than 1 billion, which is miles above Arleigh Burke Flight I.

Learning More About China’s New Massive Warship Plan (055 Cruiser) | Popular Science

 

[al-Hasani]

9 July 2014

Hani Al Hamli at a meeting with Chinese delegates. the visit of the delegation follows a strategic partnership agreement signed between the Dubai Economic Council and China Development bank in beijing last year.

​

China Development Bank set to open Dubai rep office

CDB is now the world’s largest provider of overseas loans ​

The China Development Bank, or CDB, one of the largest providers of loan to overseas markets, plans to open a representative branch in Dubai to provide financing facilities to public and private sectors in the UAE, Jiang Zhigang, director general of the planning department of the bank, said.

Zhigang, who led a CDB delegation to Dubai, revealed the plan to open the rep office at a meeting with the Dubai Economic Council (DEC) officials.

Hani Al Hamli, DEC secretary general, said the Chinese bank could provide financial and advisory services to all the strategic and mega development projects initiated in Dubai. The Chinese bank can also provide access to finance for private companies including the small and medium enterprises, he said.

At the meeting, Hamli highlighted the latest developments in Dubai’s economy and the growing bilateral relations between the UAE and China. He said the visit of the delegation follows a strategic partnership agreement signed between the DEC and CDB in Beijing last year. CDB is now the world’s largest provider of overseas loans and is playing a leading role in promoting Beijing’s economic interests abroad. Since the 2008 global financial crisis, CDB has been on an aggressive loan expansion drive outside the mainland. It issued almost one trillion yuan ($161 billion) in urbanisation-oriented loans in 2013. Total loans reached 8.19 trillion yuan. The bank has already supported several large scale infrastructure and social development projects in various countries, including in Argentina, Brazil and Venezuela.

DEC has pledged CDB its support in finding trade finance opportunities in the UAE across a variety of areas, including infrastructure. Al Hamli said the collaboration between the DEC and CDB covers a wide spectrum of services including exchange of expertise, knowledge and data, bilateral talks on various economic issues.

“Such a partnership would help boost the strong bilateral relations that the UAE has with China and its continued efforts in strengthening trade and economic ties,” said Al Hamli. He said that given the great significance of CDB in China and in many countries worldwide, DEC is confident that the bank can play a critical role in Dubai.

The CDB delegation comprised of senior executives including the bank’s directors Sui Dongning and Du Bin; in addition to Song Xiaoli, LI Shigang, associate research fellows from Economic Research Institute of National Development and Reform Commission; Zhang Li’an, deputy chief engineer from CAH Airport Construction Company; Jiang Mingsheng, engineer from CCCC First Harbor consultants Co; Yang Jinsong, associate research fellow from China Tourism Academy; Ke Changwei, deputy president of CDB Ningxia branch; Zhao Hui, Zheng Wenbo, and Chen Ran, all members of the UAE working team.

Business - China Development Bank set to open Dubai rep office

@Al Bhatti I moved your post to this thread if you don't mine.

@Chak Bamu

Could you please change the title of this thread to "GCC and China cooperation and news".

Thanks.​

 

[al-Hasani]

Saudi Arabia backs China in terror fight: ambassador​

Source:Xinhua
Published: 2014-6-18 18:31:50

Saudi Ambassador to China Yahya A.S. Alzaid pledged support to China in its moves to punish terrorists, in an interview with Xinhua on Wednesday.

Three people were sentenced to death and five others were jailed on Monday by a court in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region over a terror attack near Beijing's Tian'anmen Square in October 2013, in what were latest sentences handed down to terrorists.

Yahya said terrorists in China had killed civilians brutally, caused horror and that they must be brought to justice.

He said Saudi Arabia understands China's anti-terrorist arrangements because it has also been a victim of terrorism, and is still fighting its battle against terror.

The 1980s and 90s saw terror spread across Saudi Arabia, with frequent explosions and assassinations.

Terrorists also spread extremist ideas among the public, vying to destruct social order and split society, Yahya said.

The Saudi government has punished terrorists and achieved results, said Yahya, adding that his country is willing to share its best practice with China and launch cooperations.

Additionally, he noted education and punishment are equally important in the war on terror. Hardcore terrorists need to be punished, while those under the influence of terrorists should be educated to turn their backs on extremism.

Yahya said he was confident in China's capabilities to squash terrorism and extreme forces and bring security and stability to regions like Xinjiang.

"I always tell my fellow Saudis that the biggest advantage about China is safety and that you can walk the streets free of safety concerns," said the ambassador, who has been in his role since 2008.

Saudi Arabia backs China in terror fight: ambassador - Global Times

 

[al-Hasani]

KSA, China sign nuclear energy cooperation deal

STRATEGIC PLANNING: Waleed Husain Abu Al-Faraj, vice president of King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy, and Hwan Min Gang, chief financial officer of the Chinese National Nuclear Energy Company, sign the MoU in Shanghai. (SPA)
​

RIYADH: MD RASOOLDEEN | ARAB NEWS STAFF

Published — Sunday 10 August 2014

Last update 10 August 2014 2:37 pm

The King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy (K.A.CARE) signed a memorandum of understanding with the Chinese National Nuclear Energy Company (CNNC) in Shanghai on Thursday on cooperation mechanisms for the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
Waleed Husain Abu Al-Faraj, vice president of K.A.CARE, and Hwan Min Gang, chief financial officer of the CNNC, signed the MoU.
The signing ceremony was attended by several K.A.CARE and Chinese officials, including Hashem Yamani, K.A.CARE president, and Wushin Ochi Shiong, minister of State Administration of Energy.
Yamani was welcomed by several Chinese officials and members of the Saudi Embassy in Shanghai at the Shanghai airport.
Yamani also met with Wen Jiabao, minister of the National Energy Commission, and several officials in Shanghai to discuss areas of mutual cooperation in the atomic and renewable energy fields between the two countries.
K.A.CARE was established through a royal decree issued by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah on April 17, 2010, with the fundamental aim of building a sustainable future by developing substantial alternative energy thanks to an ever-increasing pressure on the country’s nonrenewable hydrocarbon resources.
As a result, alternative, sustainable and reliable sources of energy for generating power and producing desalinated water were introduced in a bid to reduce consumption of the nation’s fossil fuel reserves.
A balanced energy mix of alternative and conventional energy is strategically important for Saudi Arabia’s long-term prosperity, energy security and its leading position in the global energy market, experts said.
Atomic and renewable energy will account for a significant portion of Saudi Arabia’s future energy mix.
The two sectors will provide substantial capacity, advanced technology, efficient use of resources and will be fully compliant with international standards,
conventions and treaties, enabling the Kingdom to plan for increased demand for power and desalinated water, while ensuring the rate of national development continues apace.
According to government estimates, anticipated demand for electricity in the Kingdom is expected to exceed 120GW in 2032.
Unless alternative energy and energy conservation measures are implemented, the overall demand for fossil fuel for power, industry, transportation and desalination is estimated to grow from 3.4 million barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2010 to 8.3 million barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2028.

KSA, China sign nuclear energy cooperation deal | Arab News — Saudi Arabia News, Middle East News, Opinion, Economy and more.

@Chinese-Dragon @ChineseTiger1986 @Wholegrain @Hu Songshan etc.

 

[55100864]

i heared the rumour that china sold the DF21 to KSA, is that true??? anyone?

 

[Al Bhatti]

@Al Bhatti I moved your post to this thread if you don't mine.
​

No problem

ما في أي مشكلة maa fee ayyee mushkila

没有什么问题 mei2you3 shen2me wen4ti2

 

[Al Bhatti]

18 September 2014

Shaikh Mohammed with Jack Ma in Dubai on Wednesday.

UAE a leading technology hub: Shaikh Mohammed

Shaikh Mohammed highlighted the strength of the UAE as a knowledge-based economy while discussing with his guest the essential role of technology in boosting the development of nations.

The UAE has become a leading regional technology hub given its position as a platform for top tier international tech companies and a stage for global technology-oriented events, said His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Shaikh Mohammed made the comment as he received Jack Ma, the founder of China’s largest e-commerce company Alibaba, at Zaabeel Palace on Wednesday.

Shaikh Mohammed highlighted the strength of the UAE as a knowledge-based economy while discussing with his guest the essential role of technology in boosting the development of nations.

During the meeting, which was attended by Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Shaikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Shaikh Mohammed spoke of the UAE’s vision of taking the integration of technology into the city’s core services a step higher with aims to create a ‘smart city’ that adds to the quality of life for citizens.

Jack Ma praised the advanced infrastructure of the UAE and its attractive business environment. Ma added that the strong alliance between the private and public sectors in the UAE is exemplary.

The meeting touched on ways of enhancing cooperation between the e-commerce giant Alibaba and specialised government entities. The meeting also discussed the m-Government Initiative, which was earlier launched by the UAE to boost government investment in technology. The World Economic Forum (WEF) 2014 report ranked the UAE second globally for government procurement of advanced technology.

With more than 22,000 employees in over 70 cities around the world, Alibaba is one of the biggest e-commerce companies worldwide with annual sales exceeding $170 billion. Alibaba is seen as the main e-commerce facilitator between individuals, merchants and companies in the world and China.

Also present at the meeting were Shaikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chief Executive of Emirates airline and Group; Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs; Dr Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs; Reem Ibrahim Al Hashemi, Minister of State; Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shebani, Director of Dubai Ruler’s Court; Khalifa Saeed Suleiman, Dubai Director of Protocol and Hospitality; and Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General of Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM).

UAE a leading technology hub: Shaikh Mohammed - Khaleej Times

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Related threads:

China Development Bank set to open Dubai rep office

UAE to bolster economic ties with China