China-Arab States Expo important to increase trade cooperation

The fourth China-Arab States Expo is an important platform that reflects the progress of the economic cooperation between the Arab countries and China in line with the win-win policy adopted by China, a Syrian expert said.

Omar al-Mekdad, an expert in Chinese affairs, told Xinhua on Friday that the ongoing expo in China is considered one of the fruits of cooperation between the Arab world and China.

He said the expo comes within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) that was proposed by China in order to achieve comprehensive and balanced development and to improve the economic structure on the basis of equality.

The interest shown by the Chinese leadership makes the expo even more important, he said.

"Such interest is reflected by the congratulatory letter of Chinese President Xi Jinping, who highlighted mutual efforts exerted by China and the Arab countries to meet the needs of development and to push the BRI forward to achieve its goals," al-Mekdad said.

He stressed that China and the Arab World are concerned about enhancing the cooperation opportunities within the framework of the BRI, and will exert all needed efforts to revive the ancient Silk Road that had been "the lifeline of the global trade for hundreds of years."

Al-Mekdad said the Arab countries that have taken part in the initiative-linked activities at all levels constitute another sign of the Arab countries' interest in the BRI.

Syria is also interested in the initiative as it constitutes a unique opportunity to rebuild the economic cooperation among the countries on the basis of equality and win-win policy.

"The BRI has an effect on the crisis of the political dimensions as it decreases such crisis and diverts the attention to development instead of conflicts," the expert said.

"The China-Arab relations go way back in history and rely on a legacy of historic cooperation and friendly relations. Such relations continued to take hold and thrive," he remarked.

He added it is imperative for China and the Arab countries to develop means of trade exchange, including dealing with local currencies and starting new projects that could bring benefits to all and increase the investment opportunities between China and the Arab world at all levels.

Al-Mekdad stressed that the expo will further develop their strategically important partnership.