Chinese Ambassador: China Pledges $55b for Arab Region

Chinese Ambassador: China Pledges $55b for Arab Region

AMMAN  - March 27, 2016 - The Economic Policy Development Forum (EPDF) hosted Chinese Ambassador to Jordan .HE Mr. Pan Weifang in a discussion session headed by HE Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh.

During the session attended by opinion leaders, ministers and experts, participants discussed the document developed by Chinese government on Chinas policy regarding Arab region.

The Ambassador stated that China is interested in improving ties with the Arab region and increasing the number of projects, and welcoming any projects proposed by the country or any of its business sectors to make use of the $55 billion support.

During the session, the Ambassador and participants agreed on the following:

• Establishment of a joint economic council or working group to review and submit initiatives.
• Benefiting from the experience and support of China in the areas of vocational, technical and applied education.
• Establishment of a technical joint area/zone.
• China to assign a team of experts to offer suggestions regarding traffic jams in Amman.
• Establishment of a Chinese research center for joint projects.
• Expediting the establishment of a Chinese-Jordanian university and ensuring specialization in vocational and crafts-related studies.
• Benefitting from Chinas experience in the establishment of the economic belt of the Silk Road.

The Ambassador explained that Chinas current policy focuses on the following points: 

• Focusing on improvement of citizens life (1.3 billion citizens) in a way that achieves their welfare.
• Focusing on creativity to develop new inventions.
• Getting out from Chinese borders at the economic and educational levels to the rest of the world.
• Carrying out further reforms, combating corruption and focusing on openness and transparency.
• Harnessing Chinas capabilities in the infrastructure development area.

"Given that China is the second-largest economy in the world and the largest trading nation in the world, it feels the need to more efficiently interact with other world economies, including Middle Eastern states and the Arab states in particular," the Ambassador added.  

He stated that China has historical ties with the Arab states and "we are working on improving them in a view to overcoming common challenges and achieving the benefits and values that benefit the two countries."

He addressed the recent visit of HM King Abdullah II to China, during which a group of cooperation agreements were signed, stating that China is working on putting those agreements into effect in a way that serves both parties’ interests.

During the session, the Chinese Ambassador expressed his thanks and appreciation to Dr. Abu- Ghazaleh for his invitation and for giving His Excellency the opportunity to organize this constructive dialogue.