Global Impact: banking, investments, food security, health sciences and future mobility on the table as China seeks to boost Saudi Arabia ties
- Global Impact is a weekly curated newsletter featuring a news topic originating in China with a significant macro impact for our newsreaders around the world
- In this edition, we look back at the recent 10th Arab-China Business Conference that took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and looks at the future of China-Middle East relations
On a scorching Sunday night two weeks ago in Riyadh, a spectacular gala was on display at the Saraj, a sprawling banquet hall at the heart of the Saudi capital.
Dozens of performers brandished their sabres in a raucous warrior dance called the Ardah, while a dancer put on a 21st century version of the Dervish dance, complete with a fluorescent Tanoura skirt. An Arab emcee kicked off the proceedings in Mandarin, accompanied by a Chinese emcee dressed in Arab costume speaking in Arabic.
The guest of honour in the audience was Hu Chunhua, a vice-chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, seated next to the Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih.
The occasion was the 10th Arab-China Business Conference, a two-day event attended by 3,500 delegates comprising 23 nationalities, including a staggering 1,200-strong contingent of entrepreneurs and business executives from mainland China.
Hong Kong’s Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau Ying-wah led a delegation of the city’s businesspeople. Hong Kong stock exchange’s chief executive Nicolas Aguzin and Hang Lung Properties’ chairman Ronnie Chan Chi-chung also both spoke as panellists.
