China.org.cn (May 29) - The 2024 Global Digital Economy Conference(GDEC) Middle East Digital Economy Development Forum was held at the China Innovation Centre in the United Arab Emirates on May 28. This year marks the 40th anniversary of China and the UAE's diplomatic relations. About 200 experts, scholars, entrepreneurs, and government officials in the digital economy sectors of China and the UAE convened at the forum under the theme "Joint Exploration and Friendly Partnership in Global Digital Development" to discuss the trend of digital economy development, foster international exchanges, and facilitate industrial cooperation.

(At the forum site)

As an important partner of the "Belt and Road" initiative, the UAE holding the sub-forum not only signifies a further expansion of the global digital economy "circle of friends" but also reflects the GDEC's determination to promote the development of the digital economy in the Middle East through international cooperation. During the forum, attendees discussed strategies to enhance the level of collaboration and exchange between China and the UAE in the realm of the digital economy. They also shared ideas on the creative integration of digital economy cooperation carriers among different regions, such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Riyadh, which would serve as a launching pad for Chinese enterprises looking to expand internationally, tackle digital economy issues jointly, and explore new models, technologies, and business forms.

(Hamdan Zakaria Doleh, chairman of China Innovation Centre in UAE, addressing the forum)

Addressing the forum, Hamdan Zakaria Doleh, chairman of China Innovation Centre in UAE, highlighted the shared goal of Dubai and Beijing in fostering digital economy cooperation. He also talked about opportunities for further cooperation in key areas such as fintech, e-commerce, smart cities, AI, cloud computing, big data, and meta-universes, with the goal of promoting innovation and prosperity on both sides.

(Mao Dongjun, deputy director of Beijing Municipal Bureau of Economy and Information Technology, addressing the forum)

In his speech, Mao Dongjun, deputy director of the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Economy and Information Technology, emphasized the importance of the global digital economy as a new engine of economic growth and called on China and the UAE to strengthen cooperation in the development of the digital economy and to jointly explore new modes of promoting the innovation and transformation of the global digital economy. He also introduced Beijing's progress and achievements in promoting the construction of a benchmark city for the global digital economy. He expressed his vision of promoting international exchanges and cooperation through the 2024 Global Digital Economy Conference to jointly promote industrial development.

Attendees from China and the UAE engaged in a fruitful debate during the keynote speech session of "Open, Win-Win, Development," during which speakers from both nations shared their insights, experiences, and advice on digital economy development.

(Zhang Jianlun, director of the Digital Economy Promotion Division of the Information Technology Development Department at the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) of the People's Republic of China, delivering a keynote speech at the forum)

With the facilitation of the "Belt and Road" initiative, BRICS, China-Arab bilateral cooperation, and other intergovernmental cooperation mechanisms, China and the Arab world can further strengthen their digital economy exchanges and collaboration, according to Zhang Jianlun, director of the Digital Economy Promotion Division of the Information Technology Development Department at the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) of the People's Republic of China.

(Daniel Sellers, manager of the Investment Promotion Department at Dubai Chamber of Commerce, delivering a keynote speech at the forum)

Daniel Sellers, manager of the Investment Promotion Department at the Dubai Chamber of Commerce (DCC), noted that the Chamber had set up four offices in China that help facilitate investment flows in both directions and bring international enterprises to Dubai.

(Zhang Jinrui, deputy director of the Electronic Information Industry Department and deputy director of the Digital Economy Working Groupat Beijing Municipal Bureau of Economy and Information Technology, delivering a keynote speech at the forum)

Beijing is making great strides in establishing itself as a global digital economy benchmark city, according to Zhang Jinrui, deputy director of the Electronic Information Industry Department and deputy director of the Digital Economy Working Group at Beijing Municipal Bureau of Economy and Information Technology. The city plans to promote digital transformation as a driving force of economic growth through policy support, technological innovation, and industrial upgrading, and it is committed to becoming an innovation leader on a global scale.

(Nabil Arnous, executive director (commercial) and client experience expert of the Ras Al Khaimah Digital Assets Oasis, delivering a keynote speech at the forum)

Nabil Arnous, executive director (commercial) and client experience expert of the Ras Al Khaimah Digital Assets Oasis (RAK DAO), presented RAK DAO as a "free zone" devoted to the future of corporate enterprises. The company will collaborate with an extensive network of partners to foster the growth and innovation of startups in blockchain, gaming, NFT, and other related industries.

(Claire Wang, client engagement manager of International Free Zone Authority of Dubai, delivering a keynote speech at the forum)

Following an overview of the International Free Zone Authority of Dubai (IFZA), Claire Wang, client engagement manager of IFZA, offered advice on businesses looking to operate in the UAE.

(Guan Xuehui, deputy general manager of UFIDA Network Overseas & managing director of the Middle and Eastern Region, giving a speech at the forum)

Guan Xuehui, deputy general manager of UFIDA Network Overseas & managing director of the Middle and Eastern Region, spoke about how to build a global digital firmin the age of digital economy.

(The penal discussion session)

During the penal discussion session, guests from the Center for International Economic and Technological Cooperation affiliated with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, UAE-China Innovation Centre, 360 Consultancy Ex. Capgemini, EY, Eurus Technologies, Zhongguancun Space Information Technology Alliance, and Donghua Yiwei Technology Co., Ltd., among other companies and institutions, discussed the digital economy development efforts, innovative practices, and accomplishments of both China and the UAE, as well as new opportunities and challenges of an integrated digital economy strategy, offered suggestions for enhancing digital economy cooperation on a global scale, and proposed ideas for fostering closer ties between the two nations in this area.

During the forum's closing remarks, You Jing, director of the Information Technology and Software Services Department at Beijing Municipal Bureau of Economy and Information Technology, invited international attendees to the 2024 Global Digital Economy Conference, which will be held in Beijing from July 2to July 5.

(Attendees of the forum)

A number of agreements have been struck during the forum, including a framework to facilitate long-term cooperation, an expansion of the scope of international cooperation in the digital economy, and the promotion of digital talent development and exchange. This forum strengthened the partnership between the UAE and China in the digital economy, injected new momentum into the economies of both countries, and contributed to the prosperity of the global digital economy.