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During their participation in the Seventh China International Import Expo, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries were keen to offer products and services with local characteristics, in an effort to turn to the East and enter the large Chinese market.
Xinhua reported, “Saudi Arabia is participating this year as a ‘guest of honor’ for the first time in the China International Import Expo, knowing that this is the fifth time that Saudi Arabia has participated in the exhibition.”
The Saudi side carefully designed its pavilion, focusing on taking traditional Saudi architecture as a prototype, and highlighting the green color in accordance with the main color of the Saudi flag, so that the pavilion integrates traditional Arab architectural elements in a way that opens a window to display the distinctive culture.
The Saudi organizer said: “Participation is an important measure to enhance exchanges and cooperation between Saudi Arabia and China in the economic, diplomatic and cultural fields,” expressing his “aspiration to take advantage of this opportunity to make extensive contacts with people from all walks of life and consumers in China.”
Saudi companies displayed traditional foods such as dates, honey syrup and cheese, and introduced potential consumers to them through tastings and promotional videos, in addition to specialty foods and handicrafts. The pavilion also highlighted the theme of “Made in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia” by sharing a number of “One of the Saudi industrial companies that showcased the Kingdom’s latest achievements in promoting national modernization.”
In this context, Mazen Al-Muzaini, director of international sales for the Saudi “Al-Fanar” company, who participated in the exhibition for the first time, confirmed that “the company’s home appliances are completely produced in Saudi Arabia,” expressing his hope that “it will show Chinese consumers the quality and progress of Saudi manufacturing in a way that can be achieved.” The company was able to enter the Chinese market, and as the largest private Saudi company operating in China, the “Ajlan & Brothers” group participated in the China International Import Expo for the first time.”
Mohammed Al-Ajlan, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi “Ajlan & Brothers” Holding Group and Chairman of the Saudi-Chinese Business Council, pointed out that “the company will comprehensively present the achievements represented in establishing joint projects with Chinese companies in recent years, jointly developing the Middle East and North Africa market and achieving mutual benefit.” “To expand economic and trade cooperation between China and Saudi Arabia and exchange new opportunities for future development.”
Moving to the Kingdom of Bahrain Pavilion, traditional costumes and handicraft culture are displayed, as the pavilion not only provides visitors with opportunities to try on traditional clothing, but also displays immersive tourist scenes in Bahrain through virtual reality equipment. The Bahrain Pavilion combines elements of environmental protection and traditional culture, and displays… Separately traditional handicrafts made from renewable or recycled materials.
Hassan Siwar, one of the “Bahrain Exports” employees participating in organizing the Bahrain Pavilion, stated that “the China International Import Expo provides Bahrain with a display window and a channel for exhibitors to enter the Chinese market,” expressing the hope that “more Chinese consumers will be able to learn about Bahrain and its products.” .
In turn, the Egyptian Pavilion focuses on tourism products, with local food stalls, handicrafts and service industries relevant to tourists in its main area. Among them, papyrus and other handicraft products attracted the attention of visitors who continued to inquire about them.
Rania El-Khouly, an exhibitor of Egyptian handicrafts, confirmed that “her company has always participated in exhibitions around the world, but China was the “furthest place” compared to previous exhibition venues, but it is also the most likely market to enter, adding that despite the fact that the pavilion has been open for a while It is only short, but consumers are already feeling enthusiastic about Egyptian products, as Egyptian cultural tourism products are highly appreciated among Chinese consumers, and the Syria pavilion is distinguished by high-quality natural products such as: natural oil extracts and olive oil.”
Syrian businesswoman Rula Ali Adeeb, owner of the “Biocham” company for natural oil extracts, has participated several times in the China International Import Fair since its first session, and her booth is often crowded, as China has in recent years become a major foreign market for her company, which has completed a series of preparations such as registering Product compliance in China in hopes of expanding sales in China.
Adeeb stated, ”Chinese consumers greatly appreciate the company’s high-quality hydrosols and natural oils, and Syria is distinguished by the best natural oil products, while the exhibition can connect me with consumers interested in this type of product.”
Source: (Xinhua)
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Expert on the Recent Saudi Participation in the China International Import Expo
Time.news Editor: Welcome to this special interview. Today, we have with us Dr. Ahmed El-Sayed, an expert in Middle Eastern trade relations, to discuss Saudi Arabia’s significant participation in the Seventh China International Import Expo as a ‘guest of honor.’ Dr. El-Sayed, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Ahmed El-Sayed: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here and discuss such an important topic.
Time.news Editor: Let’s dive right in. This is the fifth time Saudi Arabia has attended the China International Import Expo, but this year’s status as ’guest of honor’ is quite notable. What does this mean for Saudi-China relations?
Dr. Ahmed El-Sayed: Being designated as ‘guest of honor’ signifies a deeper level of partnership and recognition of Saudi Arabia’s role in global trade. It reflects Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to enhance its economic ties with China, which is one of the largest markets in the world. The participation also showcases the Kingdom’s commitment to diversifying its economy beyond oil, aligning with Vision 2030 goals.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely. The pavilion was designed to reflect traditional Saudi architecture and highlighted the green color from the Saudi flag. How important is cultural representation at international expos like this?
Dr. Ahmed El-Sayed: Cultural representation is incredibly important. It not only helps to showcase national identity but also creates a relatable platform for potential partnerships. By integrating their architectural style and cultural elements, Saudi Arabia invites visitors to experience their heritage, making it more appealing to consumers and business partners. This could lead to enhanced networking opportunities.
Time.news Editor: Focusing on the products, we saw traditional foods like dates and honey syrup featured prominently. What role do traditional products play in this strategy?
Dr. Ahmed El-Sayed: Traditional products are crucial in this context. They serve as ambassadors of Saudi culture and cuisine. Introducing these products through tastings and promotional videos can build brand recognition and affinity among Chinese consumers. It’s about creating a narrative around quality and authenticity that supports Saudi Arabia’s broader industrial ambitions.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of industrial ambitions, we heard from Mazen Al-Muzaini of “Al-Fanar” about showcasing Saudi manufacturing achievements. How significant is this for the Kingdom’s economic future?
Dr. Ahmed El-Sayed: Showcasing local manufacturing underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to modernization and self-sufficiency. It highlights the Kingdom’s progress in developing various sectors beyond oil, thereby attracting foreign investment. If Saudi companies can demonstrate that they provide high-quality products, it opens new doors for economic collaboration and trade.
Time.news Editor: Moving beyond Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Egypt also participated, focusing on traditional crafts and tourism products, respectively. What can you say about the collective Arab effort at this expo?
Dr. Ahmed El-Sayed: The participation of Bahrain and Egypt alongside Saudi Arabia showcases a unified Arab front in promoting cultural and commercial ties with China. Each nation brings its unique strengths, whether it’s Bahrain’s handicrafts and environmental focus, or Egypt’s tourism appeal. Such collaboration can enhance visibility for Arab products and increase opportunities for collective business ventures.
Time.news Editor: Dr. El-Sayed, your insights are incredibly valuable. As we wrap up, what do you envision for the future of Saudi-China relations post-expo?
Dr. Ahmed El-Sayed: I envision a stronger partnership where both regions benefit mutually. If Saudi Arabia continues to leverage such platforms to showcase its innovations and cultural heritage, it can not only attract more Chinese investment but also create a more diverse economy. This, in turn, can lead to a more cooperative relationship in various sectors such as technology, infrastructure, and sustainability.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Ahmed El-Sayed, for sharing your expertise on this noteworthy event. It’s intriguing to see how cultural and economic exchanges can shape the future.
Dr. Ahmed El-Sayed: Thank you! I appreciate the opportunity to discuss these exciting developments.
Time.news Editor: And thank you to our audience for joining us in this enlightening discussion on international trade and cultural exchange. Stay tuned for more insights on global events!