Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud highlighted the conference as a platform to deepen Arab-Chinese relations and foster mutual prosperity. This sentiment was echoed by Khalid Al-Falih, Saudi Minister of Investment, who underscored the eagerness of Arab nations to collaborate with China in broadening economic integration, particularly in the digital sector.
The accelerator aims to support startups and entrepreneurs in the media sector, leveraging the strengths of both nations in technology and innovation. Abdullah al-Swaha, Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology, noted that the initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and China's Belt and Road Initiative. This collaboration is expected to create opportunities in areas such as 5G, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence.
China's role as Saudi Arabia's largest trading partner underscores the significance of this partnership. Trade between the two countries reached $106.1 billion in 2022, accounting for approximately 25% of total Arab-Chinese trade. This economic interdependence is further solidified by joint ventures and investments aimed at enhancing technological capabilities and digital infrastructure.
The launch of the media business accelerator is a testament to the deepening ties between Saudi Arabia and China. It reflects a shared vision of fostering innovation and economic growth through strategic partnerships. As both countries continue to expand their collaboration, the initiative is expected to serve as a catalyst for further advancements in the media and technology sectors.