Chongqing — Ahmed Mustafa Fahmy Hafez, Ambassador of the League of Arab States to China, said Chongqing is increasingly positioned to become a key platform linking China with Arab states, citing the city’s rapid industrial transformation, strong technological capabilities, and expanding global outlook.

In an exclusive interview with Let’s Meet during his latest visit to the city, Ambassador Fahmy noted that the trip followed the 80th-anniversary commemorations of the League of Arab States held in Beijing. “This reflects the strength and solidity of relations between China and the League of Arab States,” he said. “We have been cooperating in many fields, which demonstrates the high level of mutual trust between us.”

Ambassador Fahmy has visited Chongqing three times since 2011 and described the city’s evolution as “unbelievable.” Once known mainly for hotpot and motorcycles, Chongqing now exhibits “a more diversified industrial structure, spanning both traditional industries and emerging technologies.”

During his visit, he toured companies in the automobile, home appliance, equipment manufacturing, and e-commerce sectors. “I was deeply impressed by the level of technology applied in their products,” he said, adding that the city’s flagship e-commerce enterprise “is capable of interacting with global markets,” though it has yet to establish cooperation with Arab countries. Discussions on potential collaboration have now begun.

Ambassador Fahmy highlighted the scale of the Arab region—home to around 450 million people—and said China’s leadership in electric vehicles and equipment manufacturing presents strong complementarities. “If technology and manufacturing were transferred to the Arab region, it would be highly beneficial—not only for the region itself, but also as a potential export base for neighboring countries,” he said.

Beyond industry, he emphasized that Chongqing “possesses all the necessary conditions to become an effective platform” for deeper cooperation in investment, trade, and long-term partnerships ahead of the second China–Arab States Summit in 2026. Key areas he identified include renewable energy such as solar, wind, and hydropower; agricultural technology; electric vehicles; and e-commerce.

He also underscored the importance of cultural and tourism exchanges, calling Chongqing “a city with the characteristics and appeal to become a leading tourism destination,” noting its rich history and archaeological heritage. For visitors, he added with a smile, “the first thing I would recommend is Chongqing’s world-famous hotpot.”