Chongqing - From the banks of the Yangtze River to the shores of the Nile, Chongqing — China’s inland hub for opening-up — is deepening exchanges with Arab countries in trade, education, culture, and media, marking a new stage in their partnership.

At the May China (Chongqing)–UAE Economic and Trade Investment Promotion Conference, simultaneous interpretation in English, Chinese, and Arabic highlighted the growing vitality of Chongqing–Arab exchanges.

Key officials from both sides take a group photo following the signing ceremony at the China (Chongqing)–UAE Economic and Trade Investment Promotion Conference on May 23, 2025. (Photo/The Event Organizer)

Closer Economic and Trade Links

Economic cooperation remains the most active area of engagement. The May conference, themed “Shared Vision, Shared Future,” was a milestone event marked by the release of the China (Chongqing)–UAE Economic and Trade Investment Cooperation Report, which highlighted strong industrial complementarities and significant investment potential.

Chongqing Municipal Economic and Information Technology Commission has facilitated investment talks for over 100 enterprises in new energy vehicles, smart manufacturing, and environmental technology. Companies such as Changan Automobile’s Avatr brand have launched in Dubai, while Sevnce Robotics explores AI and robotics applications in the UAE’s oil sector. SWS Medical continues to serve the UAE market with advanced blood purification technology.

Meanwhile, Emirati investors are showing increasing interest in Chongqing’s high-tech industries. The city’s strength in new energy and intelligent manufacturing aligns with the UAE’s diversification and clean energy goals, creating new momentum for two-way cooperation.

Expanding Educational Partnerships and Cultural Dialogue

Education and culture have become vital pillars of Chongqing–Arab relations. During the May conference, several universities in Chongqing signed cooperation agreements with institutions in the UAE.

Chongqing University and Ajman University agreed to collaborate in data science and artificial intelligence, with plans for joint programs and faculty exchanges. Southwest University signed memorandums with Ajman University and City University of Ajman, while expanding ties with Egypt’s Ain Shams University. Together, they have launched bilingual translation programs and innovation camps in China, training over 70 Egyptian students.

China-Egypt co-produced documentary "When the Yangtze Meets the Nile" premieres globally on September 2, 2025. (Poster/Li Jiao)

On the cultural front, Chongqing hosted the “When the Yangtze Meets the Nile” Civilization Dialogue, including the "China, An Opportunity: Chongqing Brands" Cairo Promotion Event and the "When the Yangtze Meets the Nile" Cultural Exchange Exhibition, on September 2 at Cairo's National Museum of Egyptian Civilization.

Four captivating exhibitions brought the event to life — the Baiheliang Digital Culture Exhibition, uncovering ancient hydrological wisdom, twin photo galleries celebrating Chongqing’s thriving economy and stunning landscapes, and an interactive Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition where visitors could try traditional crafts themselves. The immersive experience drew crowds and captured the pulse of Chongqing’s creative spirit.

Media Collaboration and Future Outlook

Chongqing has also strengthened media cooperation with Arab partners. Chongqing Broadcasting Group established the “First Sight TV Egypt Liaison Office”, while the Western China International Communication Organization co-produced the five-episode documentary “When the Yangtze Meets the Nile” with Egyptian Nile TV and is working with Al Jazeera on another documentary.

From November 4 to 6, Chongqing will host the 7th China–Arab States Broadcasting and Television Cooperation Forum, co-organized by the National Radio and Television Administration of China, Chongqing Municipal People's Government, General Secretariat of the League of Arab States, and Arab States Broadcasting Union, expected to further enhance cultural and audiovisual exchanges.

Looking ahead, both sides plan deeper cooperation in new energy, digital technology, and advanced manufacturing. Ajman officials noted that their strategic priorities align with Chongqing’s industrial strengths and hope to make Ajman a gateway for Chinese enterprises entering the Middle East and North Africa.

From trade to culture, from education to media, Chongqing’s collaboration with Arab countries continues to grow broader and deeper — like the Yangtze River flowing toward the Nile, carrying with it a spirit of shared progress and mutual understanding.