In an interview with Chinese People’s Daily Newspaper Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh: China plays a pivotal and central role in the global economy
AMMAN – The People’s Daily Newspaper, which is considered one of the most widely spread Chinese publication worldwide, conducted an exclusive interview with HE Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, founder and chairman of Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Global Digital (TAG.GD) to talk about the most important economic and technological advancements in China.
The interview was held on the sideline of the most important political event of the year in China which is the Two Sessions; the annual plenary sessions of the National People's Congress; and of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, that are typically held every March. Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh throughout the interview underlined China’s keenness to develop future industries including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Renewable Energy, and Biotechnology, which enhances its standing as a major supporter to world economy.
“In 2024, China’s gross domestic product (GDP) exceeded 130 billion yuan; an achievement that made China an influential superpower. It also reflects the role of technological innovation, green development and digital transformation in enhancing economic growth,” Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh said.
Meanwhile, the Newspaper highly praised Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh’s commitment to strengthening economic and trade cooperation, cultural exchange between China and the Arab countries, and his role in fostering Sino-Arab friendship relations, considering that Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Global Digital is one of the largest professional and consulting organizations in the Arab world.
The Daily Newspaper shed light on the honoring ceremony held in January 2016, during which Chinese President HE Mr. Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China had honored Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh and 10 Arab personalities for their role in enhancing the Sino-Arab Relations as a first of its kind Chinese initiative.
The honorees then were presented with the “Award for Outstanding Efforts in Supporting Arab-Chinese Friendship” in Cairo in recognition of their efforts and achievements in enhancing collaboration between China and the Arab world. Regarding this honoring, Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh stated: “It’s an incomparable honor and great encouragement that motivates me to dedicate my time and efforts to further advance the Arab-Chinese cooperation and friendship.
” Further, Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh pointed out that 2025 will be a year of challenges; thus, “the world needs strong partnerships and closer collaboration than ever’ He said, adding that the global economy faces various threats, including decoupling, cutting off industrial and supply chains, as well as trade protectionism. Meanwhile, China, according to Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh, carries on its strategy in expanding its openness to the world, defends multilateralism, and maintains the stability of global economy.
He also referred to China’s constant calls for the liberalization and facilitation of trade, and its keenness on developing economic partnerships with most of the other countries, saying that “China’s investment in innovation and sustainable development contributed to the global economy recovery.
Influential economic and trade relations played a positive role in economic growth for China and partner countries alike, mainly in overcoming joint challenges.” In the context of the Belt and Road initiative, Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh reiterated that it aims at furthering economic cooperation, establishing infrastructure, facilitating cultural exchanges, and strengthening international influence on Chinese economy.
It is worth mentioning that cooperation documents on the Belt and Road initiative were signed between China, all the 22 Arab countries and the League of Arab States, which offer these countries various opportunities to improve their business networks, attract foreign investments and enhance economic development.
On the ground, practical cooperation with China led to the implementation of important projects mainly in the field of infrastructure including ports, railways and energy, considering that the Chinese expertise and technology were key elements to such projects.
Additionally, Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh noted that China has recently introduced a set of policies to expand and improve emerging and future industries, which reflects the Chinese government’s forward-looking vision toward the future and enriches high-quality development of Chinese economy.
“On the Arab-Chinese cooperation front, these procedures offer promising opportunities for cooperation in the fields of AI, renewable energy and smart cities. The development of new high-quality productivity and technology opens new horizons of Sino-Arab cooperation.
” He said. Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh concluded by affirming that the Arab countries are committed to develop an innovation-based economy and enhance economic diversification, which enable them to benefit from cooperation and work with China to face new challenges and achieve economic growth and prosperity.