ShareKUWAIT: China is committed to developing a unique national identity and becoming a leading global nation, aiming to strengthen international ties and inspire the rest of the world. A Kuwaiti media delegation’s visit to China highlighted the longstanding historical connections between the two countries and facilitated fruitful discussions on mutual development plans. The delegation visited Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou, gaining firsthand exposure to China’s significant economic and technological advancements.
One of the highlights of the trip was during delegation’s visit to the China-Arab Research Center on Reform and Development at Shanghai International Studies University (SISU). Secretary General of the center, Professor Wang Guanda, praised Kuwait and Gulf countries. He described them as “the center of Arab power”, stating that they serve as a link between Africa, Europe and Asia, drawing considerable attention from China for developing this region in particular.
Wang emphasized plans to strengthen economic ties between China and the Gulf through the Belt and Road initiative, focusing on joint projects in solar power, renewable energy, and the construction of Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port in Kuwait. Casual discussions with the media delegation and university professors revealed a shared optimism for the future, highlighting initiatives to bridge the language barrier through student exchange programs, book sharing, translations, and visits.
Language, innovation
Wang noted that about 200 students graduate with Arabic language degrees from SISU each year, with a total of 1,000 across 52 universities in China. Drawing from his experience studying Arabic at Kuwait University in 1998, Wang announced plans to establish a dedicated translation department for Kuwait in the center’s new building next year. He also highlighted China’s technological, retail, and economic progress, citing a 5.3 percent GDP growth in the first quarter of the year, totaling 29.63 trillion yuan (approximately 4.17 trillion US dollars), according to reports from the China People’s Bank.
In Shanghai, the media delegation also paid a visit to the China International Import Expo (CIIE) exhibition hall, where they met with Li Guoqing, deputy director general of the CIIE Bureau. “The exhibition provides a platform for companies from all over the world to jointly discuss, cooperate and exchange opportunities, through high-level opening-up and high-feasibility development,” Li said.
He mentioned that this year marks the fifty-third anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Kuwait, expressed, “Although our two countries are separated by thousands of mountains, our friendship has a long and lasting history.” He highlighted that the strength of this friendship was very vivid during Kuwait’s participation in CIIE, in 2021. The event saw the presence of Kuwait’s Minister of Commerce and Industry at the time, alongside the presence of other notable Kuwaiti entities.
Global inspiration
The media delegation’s visit to Shenzhen revealed a city far ahead of its time, astonishingly transformed from a small fishing village in the 1970s into China’s first special economic zone and a modern global hub of innovation. Cao Saixian, Director General of the Foreign Affairs Office of Shenzhen, described the city as a melting pot of cultures and ideas, driving creativity and technological advancements. She emphasized the city’s heavy investment in research and development, with 94.9 percent of company spending directed towards this sector, totaling approximately $261.04 billion in 2023, the highest in China.
The delegation also witnessed Shenzhen’s commitment to environmental sustainability. At Nanshan Energy Eco-Park, they saw how the city converts waste into energy, striving to become a zero-waste city with world-class standards. The trip concluded with a visit to Guangzhou and the renowned Canton Fair, the largest trade fair in China.
By attending the 135th session of the fair and getting across multiple nationalities such as Kuwaitis, Algerians, African Americans, and more, thedelegation noticed the presence of a diversity of suppliers and manufacturers from all over the world, all with the purpose of chasing business opportunities, such as networking with business owners, building partnerships, and trade agreements. The place reflected its key role in developing the economic and trade exchanges between China and the rest of the world - almost building trade relations with 229 countries and regions established.
This year’s session alone gathered around 241,948 buyers from a wide diversity of countries and regions. Given the longstanding bilateral trade relations between China and Kuwait, it’s not surprising to notice that among the visitors was around 1000 Kuwaitis, with nine Kuwaiti companies participating in featuring their products.
