UAE Joins Resilient Network of Countries, Governments

A general view of the Business Bay area, after a curfew was imposed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, March 28, 2020. REUTERS/Satish Kumar
A general view of the Business Bay area, after a curfew was imposed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, March 28, 2020. REUTERS/Satish Kumar
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UAE Joins Resilient Network of Countries, Governments

A general view of the Business Bay area, after a curfew was imposed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, March 28, 2020. REUTERS/Satish Kumar
A general view of the Business Bay area, after a curfew was imposed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, March 28, 2020. REUTERS/Satish Kumar

The UAE government signed the Resilient Government Charter, to join the network of resilient countries and governments.

The network was established in partnership between the World Economic Forum and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, and it includes alongside the UAE, the United Kingdom, Canada, Italy, Singapore, Japan, and Denmark.

Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, minister of cabinet affairs, affirmed that building the next generation of future governments requires boosting partnerships among governments in developing methodologies on the basis of proactive and high readiness for changes.

It also demands cementing cooperation in the ability to adapt to future requirements, which will contribute to achieving higher levels of government resilience -- this reflects positively on societies.

The network of resilient countries and governments aims to enhance innovation, flexibility, and readiness for the future in the governmental work system, and to develop a system of future opportunities.

It seeks to make use of technological solutions and the tools of the fourth industrial revolution, in order to contribute to strengthening global efforts on finding solutions to common challenges and achieving comprehensive sustainable development.

Ohoud Bint Khalfan Al-Roumi, minister of state for government development and the future, signed the Resilient Government Charter during her participation in a virtual dialogue session held by the World Economic Forum in partnership with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, remotely.

The session was entitled “Resilient Governance after the COVID-19 Pandemic”, and it reviewed ways to redesign the system of legislation and laws to enhance the readiness of countries for the future, and enable them to keep pace with global changes and trends.

A total of 15 speakers participated, representing the elite of government officials and specialists from the private sector in future foresight and innovation.

Ohoud affirmed that building the future of governments requires developing business models based on flexible governance, innovation, and readiness.

The minister added that the UAE government is building on achievements that have strengthened the development process over the past years, through digital transformation initiatives, smart government, and flexible methodology.

Paula Pisano, minister of technological innovation and digitization in Italy, said that the Italian government supports the adoption of innovative concepts in various vital sectors, through the launch of the “Sperimentazione Italia” initiative.

This initiative is a targeted platform for engaging and supporting companies, universities, and research institutions to test local and global innovations.

Jeffrey Schlaggenhoff, deputy secretary-general of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, emphasized that governments face many challenges in the health and economic sectors as a result of the “COVID-19” pandemic, which confirms their need to make a quantum leap in decision-making processes and to develop solutions that enhance their readiness and flexibility against challenges.



China Eyes Electric Vehicle Manufacturing Opportunities in Saudi Arabia

Chinese ambassador to Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Chinese ambassador to Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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China Eyes Electric Vehicle Manufacturing Opportunities in Saudi Arabia

Chinese ambassador to Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Chinese ambassador to Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)

China’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Chang Hua, expressed Beijing’s hopes to strengthen its partnership with the kingdom, especially in electric vehicle production and other industries.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Hua condemned violations of Lebanon’s sovereignty and the targeting of civilians.
He called for immediate action to reduce tensions and prevent further escalation in the region.
“China is deeply shocked by the high civilian casualties from the conflict between Israel and Lebanon,” Hua said, urging the international community to work on calming the situation.
He emphasized that, no matter how things unfold, “China will always stand for justice and remain committed to peace and stability in the Middle East. We are ready to work with all parties to promote peace in the region.”
China’s Economic Growth
Hua highlighted China’s rise from a $30 billion economy to a $17.8 trillion one, making it the world’s second-largest economy and a leader in trade and industry.
He reiterated China’s goal to maintain high-level openness, push for high-quality economic development, and promote a multipolar world with fair global governance and inclusive economic globalization.
Saudi-China Relations
Hua described the partnership between Saudi Arabia and China as entering a new phase of deep development, congratulating Saudi Arabia on its 94th National Day.
He noted that Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s recent visit to Saudi Arabia has boosted bilateral relations and strengthened the comprehensive strategic partnership, driving it towards a more stable and prosperous future.
The ambassador stressed the need to expand trade and investment between the two countries and highlighted the upcoming “Saudi-Chinese Cultural Year 2025” as a key event.
Hua also pointed out that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman values the strong and historic relationship between the two nations.
The Crown Prince looks forward to further aligning Saudi Vision 2030 with China’s Belt and Road Initiative, expanding cooperation in energy, investment, and culture.
Hua noted that China is Saudi Arabia’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade exceeding $100 billion in the past two years. He also mentioned the recent currency swap agreement between the two countries, which has helped boost trade and investment.
New Developments in Saudi-China Relations
According to Hua, the cooperation between the two nations has grown significantly, particularly in the automotive, renewable energy, and tourism sectors.
In 2023, Saudi imports of Chinese cars reached $4.12 billion, driven by companies like Changan, Geely, MG, Chery, Great Wall, Hongqi, GAC, and BYD, which have opened branches in the kingdom.
Discussions are ongoing about building local manufacturing plants. China exported 4.91 million vehicles in 2023, making it the largest car exporter globally for the first time, including 1.203 million electric vehicles, a 77.6% increase from the previous year.
Hua noted that Saudi Vision 2030 aims for electric vehicles to account for at least 30% of all cars in Riyadh by 2030, and he expressed optimism about enhancing collaboration in automotive manufacturing.
Chinese companies are also increasingly involved in Saudi Arabia’s renewable energy sector. They are working on multiple solar projects, including the Al Shuaibah photovoltaic plant, the largest of its kind in the world, with a capacity of 2.6 gigawatts.
In July 2023, the Renewable Energy Localization Company (RELC), backed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund, signed agreements with three Chinese firms—Envision Technology Group, Jinko Solar, and TCL Zhonghuan—to establish joint ventures for high-efficiency solar cell production in Saudi Arabia.
These projects will focus on producing solar components, helping Saudi Arabia achieve its goal of sourcing 75% of renewable energy project components locally by 2030.
Hua also highlighted the increasing exchange of visits between citizens of both countries. In September 2023, China and Saudi Arabia signed a memorandum of understanding to facilitate group tourism, making the kingdom an official destination for Chinese tour groups.
Several Chinese travel agencies have begun offering packages to Saudi Arabia, and direct flights between the two countries are increasing. Saudi Airlines has expanded its routes, operating numerous weekly flights between Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Riyadh, and Jeddah.