Editor’s note: Sabine Balve is a multiple-awarded German Global Campaigner, Digital Media Influencer, and former world known product designer based in Dubai. She is the founder of Global Initiative World Leaders, which promotes United for a Sustainable World in Peace. The article reflects the author’s opinions, and not necessarily the views of CGTN.
Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to the UAE underlines the importance of bilateral ties between China and the Middle East, especially the UAE.
The UAE hosts the World Expo 2020 and welcomes China as an important economic and trade partner.
Xi's visit will also boost important political ties between China and the UAE.
What makes China and the UAE so close? The UAE is the gateway to the Middle East's markets and located at the crossroad of Europa and Africa, each continent reachable within less than six hours of flight time.
An Aerial View of Dubai Marina at Sunset in Dubai, United Arab Emirates /VCG Photo
Looking back at the historical importance of the Silk Road in history, which was an ancient network of trade routes that connected the East and the West. It was central to the cultural and economic and trade interaction between the regions for many centuries.
So the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) reinforces mutual coordination and cooperation between Chinese institutions and companies in the UAE and also outside of the UAE, believing in the Arab nation as an international trade and investment hub not only to the Middle East but also to the rest of the world.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in a recent meeting with his UAE counterpart that developing relations with the UAE is the priority of China’s Middle East.
Why does China attach much importance to UAE?
The BRI is connecting the maritime routes of Asia with the Middle East and southern Europe. The UAE is a global investment hub to the markets of the Middle East, and BRI will open long-distance political and economic relations between the civilizations. Other logistic reasons are: the international airport Dubai, United Arab Emirates is the third-busiest airport in the world by passenger traffic and the sixth-busiest cargo airport in the world.
The BRI is also a contribution to long-lasting stability and peace, cultural exchange and cultural understanding and trade ties between nations.
“Building a community along with a joint future for humanity: Innovation and Opportunities,” – the slogan under which Chinese companies will participate in the EXPO 2020 in Dubai, shows the open mindset of Chinese entrepreneurs and their Government to play a vital role as a global powerhouse within the global community – united we are stronger to cope with the global challenges of the 21st century, but also profit from the incredible opportunities which come along industrialization 4.0.
Our mutual efforts to promote scientific and technological innovation, explore new opportunities and create a global village for humanity, and its role in advancing human civilization is crucial and China’s overall development achievements are important to the Middle East and the world.
Xi proposed the BRI in 2013, which refers to building a Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. The UAE is the first Arab country to start construction of an industrial park within the framework of this initiative.
The slogan of EXPO 2020 Dubai is "Connecting minds, creating the future", which was promoted by the World Leaders Forum Dubai, independent global Initiative during 2012-2014 with 100 million views in 119 countries and the BRI is "a bid to enhance regional connectivity and embrace a brighter future".
