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Bahrain Strengthens Economic Ties with China, Signs 8 Landmark MoUs

Bahrain Strengthens Economic Ties with China, Signs 8 Landmark MoUs
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Bahrain Strengthens Economic Ties with China, Signs 8 Landmark MoUs

Bahrain Strengthens Economic Ties with China, Signs 8 Landmark MoUs

A senior delegation from Bahrain led by the Capital Governor Sheikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa and organized by the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) concluded its visit to Shenzhen, China, by signing eight Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation between the two countries.

The Bahraini delegation met with Vice Mayor of Shenzhen, Ai Xuefeng, and a number of local government officials and business leaders at the Bahrain – Shenzhen Business Forum and the China High-Tech Fair.

An MOU between EDB and the artificial intelligence (AI) firm, Intellifusion Technologies was signed to advance AI dynamic portrait recognition that can benefit China, Bahrain, and the Middle East.

EDB partnered with Shenzhen FinTech company to establish a full mobile payment gateway in Bahrain and explore opportunities in crypto-currency, in addition to the possibility of initiating FinTech Funds.

An MOU between EDB and Shenzhen Outbound Alliance aimed at strengthening economic cooperation, information exchange, and establishing a regular communication channel for business information, and investment opportunities.

In addition, the delegation signed a memorandum with Softbank China Capital – Wonder News aiming to encourage Softbank China Capital and their investment portfolio companies to establish a presence in Bahrain and use it as a regional hub to cover the Middle East.

EDB and 4PX signed an MOU exploring the possibility of 4PX initiating and establishing funds together with Bahraini companies in order to invest in entrepreneurship in both countries.

EDB and Shenzhen Cool-hi Network Culture Technology partnered to promote the development of E-sports between the Middle East and China including hosting E-sports events.

Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) signed an MOU with the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Shenzhen Branch (CCPITSZ) to harness and enhance collaborative initiatives to promote trade and investments between the two countries.

After that, EDB also established an MOU with CCPITSZ to enhance collaborative initiatives between Bahrain and Shenzhen, strengthening information exchange and cooperation in economic and business activities.

Al Khalifa explained that the partnership with Shenzhen was built on common heritage as open and innovative business hubs with shared economic interests.

“We are very pleased to see our ties with this vibrant city continue to strengthen and believe these agreements will help us move towards a new era of collaboration,” he asserted.

Chief Executive of EDB Khalid al-Rumaihi also commented on the matter saying that Shenzhen is the first city with which Bahrain established a friendship city agreement in China.

He indicated that there are numerous opportunities for Chinese companies in the region, especially as the GCC markets continue to transform their economies.

“Bahrain’s location as the Gateway to the Gulf, and given the fact that it is one of the key countries along the new Belt and Road route, along with our open and liberal lifestyle, competitive business landscape, and world-class regulation makes the Kingdom the ideal location from which Chinese companies can access this $1.5 trillion GCC market,” concluded Rumaihi.

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GAIN Summit Showcases International Experiences in Governing AI Usage 

Discussions on Tuesday focused on utilizing AI to support and accelerate development programs and to create ideal opportunities for improving social life and its quality.  (SPA)
Discussions on Tuesday focused on utilizing AI to support and accelerate development programs and to create ideal opportunities for improving social life and its quality.  (SPA)
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GAIN Summit Showcases International Experiences in Governing AI Usage 

Discussions on Tuesday focused on utilizing AI to support and accelerate development programs and to create ideal opportunities for improving social life and its quality.  (SPA)
Discussions on Tuesday focused on utilizing AI to support and accelerate development programs and to create ideal opportunities for improving social life and its quality.  (SPA)

The first day of the third Global Artificial Intelligence Summit (GAIN) in Riyadh featured ministers responsible for technology and communications sectors, showcasing their countries' experiences in implementing regulations and controls to maximize the benefits of AI technologies.

GAIN is organized by the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) and runs through September 12.

Discussions on Tuesday focused on utilizing AI to support and accelerate development programs and to create ideal opportunities for improving social life and its quality.

Ministers emphasized the importance of implementing regulations to neutralize the risks and threats associated with AI technologies and highlighted the need to use and benefit from AI in accordance with international ethics and norms.

South African Minister of Science and Technology and Innovation Dr. Bonginkosi Nzimande commended the important role of the global summit hosted by SDAIA. He emphasized that the summit provides an ideal environment and platform for international coordination.

He said this coordination will help developing countries keep up with and compete against technologically advanced countries through genuine international cooperation. This technology is a significant contributor to the renaissance of countries and humanity.

Gabon’s Minister of Communication and Media Laurence Ndong emphasized her country's commitment to collaborating with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to develop policies for governing and regulating AI technologies.

Such policies aim to ensure the optimal use of AI technologies for the benefit of Gabon's infrastructure and national development, she stressed.

Ndong also highlighted the importance of addressing the challenges and threats posed by these technologies to government institutions and societies, emphasizing the need for international cooperation to ensure that AI serves humanity as a whole.

Bahrain’s Information and eGovernment Authority Chief Executive Mohammed Ali Al-Qaed reviewed the experiences of several leading countries in AI fields. He discussed the measures and regulations these countries have taken for the use of technologies based on value-based principles that preserve the ethics and culture of their people.

Bahrain is also following a similar path, taking into account the continuous and instant development in this field, he added. Legislation is being constantly developed, especially as it experiences significant and ongoing advancements.

Cambodia’s Ministry of Post and Telecommunications Secretary of State Makara Khov emphasized that his country recognizes the inherent dangers and threats posed by AI technologies.

Cambodia has taken significant measures to address such risks by implementing regulations and procedures governing the use of AI in government institutions and society. The measures have enabled Cambodia to mitigate many risks and threats, while harnessing the potential of essential technologies such as AI.

Oman’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology Undersecretary Dr. Ali Al-Shidhani agreed with the ministers and officials noted the Sultanate’s successful experience using technologies to develop human resources in various fields and improve its education and health sectors.

Germany’s Ministry of Digital and Transport State Secretary Stefan Schnorr emphasized the importance of addressing the risks associated with technology, especially AI, at the social and geopolitical levels. He called for collaborative efforts between countries and organizations to neutralize these dangers and promote innovation.

Serbia’s Ministry of Science, Technological Development, and Innovation State Secretary Dr. Miroslav Trajanovic warned of the rapid changes and advancements in AI technologies. He emphasized the need for flexible and dynamic measures and laws that can be continually updated to keep pace with these evolving technologies.

Trajanovic stressed that effectively addressing the challenges and threats accompanying AI technologies requires intelligence, professionalism, and the implementation of optimal ways and mechanisms to benefit from them.

Senegal Director of Information and Communication Technology Aissatou Jeanne Ndiaye confirmed that the Senegalese government has utilized AI technologies to support education and scientific research. She emphasized the importance of considering these technologies' potential risks and threats and noted that measures, procedures, and regulations have been implemented to address such concerns.