The upcoming 10th ministerial conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum presents an opportunity to further boost relations between China and the Arab world and to promote regional peace, according to experts from the both sides.
The forum, which is to be held in Beijing on Thursday, will study the specific measures to implement the consensuses reached by leaders, expand China-Arab cooperation in various fields and promote the building of a China-Arab community with a shared future, according to Vice Foreign Minister Deng Li at a press briefing held in Beijing on Monday.
The meeting plans to adopt a number of outcome documents to further build consensus between China and the Arab countries and plan the next stage of cooperation, according to Deng.
"The overarching context for this forum (conference) is the emergence of two major trends in recent years on the international stage: a trend towards turmoil, division, and sanctions, and a trend towards peaceful development. It is clear that both China and Arab countries are committed to economic development and regional peace. China and the Arab world share common aspirations, goals, and interests, both globally and in the Middle East," said Niu Xinchun, executive director of the China-Arab Research Institute at northwest China's Ningxia University.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum. Over the past two decades, the forum has established 19 crucial mechanisms, including ministerial meetings, strategic political dialogue, reform and development forums, and energy cooperation conferences. These platforms have facilitated the release of 85 significant outcome documents, setting a benchmark for collective cooperation among developing countries.
At the first China-Arab States Summit in 2022, the two sides agreed to build a China-Arab community with a shared future in the new era, and China-Arab relations entered a new era of comprehensive deepening development.
"Since its establishment, the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum has always focused on cooperation and thecommon interests between Arab states and China in the political, cultural and economic fields, helping the two sides strengthen the friendly relations that have existed for thousands of years," said Ahmed Mustafa Fahmy, head of the League of Arab States' China representative office.
Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese foreign minister, will co-chair the meeting with Mohamed Salem Ould Merzouk, Mauritania's minister of foreign affairs, cooperation and Mauritanians abroad.
Ahmed Aboul Gheit, secretary general of the League of Arab States, along with foreign ministers or representatives of the Arab states will attend the meeting.
China-Arab States Cooperation Forum to boost ties, promote regional peace: experts
Known primarily for its coal production, the city of Taiyuan in Shanxi Province is undergoing a cultural transformation. As part of China's booming concert economy, Taiyuan is actively seeking to provide unforgettable experiences for music fans.
Local authorities are supporting businesses in capitalizing on the growing demand for immersive concert experiences.
Taiyuan has implemented innovative initiatives. The city offers free public transportation for concert attendees, including bus and subway rides, both during the concert period and for three days before and after the event .
Taiyuan's commitment to creating a vibrant concert atmosphere is evident throughout the city. Giant banners and posters promote upcoming events, while various support activities further enhance the experience.
At a recent concert, a CGTN correspondent witnessed the city's dedication to providing a memorable experience. Each fan was greeted with a personalized souvenir bag filled with local specialties. Additionally, a captivating drone performance delighted the audience, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event.
"We have both also been to several concerts before. But this is the first time we've enjoyed various perks. Some shops are offering free merchandise. There are shuttle buses. The concert ticket also provides free admission to other local attractions. I think it is really nice," a concertgoer said.
"I have attended several concerts in Taiyuan where I have had really great experiences," another concert fan said.
Taiyuan's thoughtful initiatives have not only delighted concertgoers but also stimulated the city's consumer activity.
"From April to September, Taiyuan hosted more than 10 concerts. We could feel the enthusiasm of the fans at each event. There was a noticeable increase in hotel bookings as well," said Ma Shuting, marketing manager of a local hotel.
The concert period has also boosted the street-stall economy. The area around the venue has been transformed into a vibrant marketplace, with hundreds of stalls offering a diverse range of goods and services, from snacks and concert merchandise to beauty treatments.
"Business is doing quite well because there are many people coming from both out of town and locally. The daily revenue is approximately between 2,000 and 3,000 yuan (about 282 to 423 U.S. dollars)," a vendor told CGTN.
To solidify its position as a leading performing arts center in Northern China, the local government has made a significant commitment to fostering the concert economy.
"All 11 government departments in Taiyuan have jointly introduced several measures to support the development of the concert economy. For concert organizers in Taiyuan that meet the criteria, subsidies ranging from 150,000 yuan to 800,000 yuan (about 21,200 to 113,000 U.S. dollars) will be provided. Additionally, the city government has also established a special task force to ensure the smooth running of large-scale concerts," said Liu Rui, deputy director of the Taiyuan Bureau of Culture and Tourism.
The concert economy holds immense potential for economic growth, as demonstrated by the impact of Taylor Swift and Coldplay concerts on Singapore's GDP, which was boosted by around 0.25 percent.
Taiyuan is positioning itself as a major player in the concert industry, with over 30 concerts scheduled for this year alone. These events are expected to attract nearly 800,000 fans and generate tens of billions of yuan in consumer spending.
The city's commitment to the concert economy reflects its proactive pursuit of new growth drivers. This not only boosts consumption in the culture and tourism sector but also contributes to the broader economic transition toward high-quality growth.
Taiyuan's thriving concert economy boosts cultural, tourism growth
