GCC-China economic ties rapidly strengthening, says Secretary-General

English , International - بین الاقوامی , Snippets , / Monday, April 21st, 2025

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Chengdu, China, April 21 (QNA) — Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi highlighted the robust and rapidly expanding economic ties between the GCC and China, declaring China as the GCC’s top trading partner. Speaking at the first GCC-China Forum on the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Technology in Chengdu, he noted that bilateral trade exceeded USD 279 billion in 2023.
Albudaiwi stated that this impressive trade volume underscores the immense potential for enhanced cooperation and integration across various sectors. He called the forum a vital platform for fostering joint efforts and exchanging best practices in peaceful nuclear technology, an area of increasing strategic importance for both sides.
He also reflected on the historic depth of GCC-China relations, which were significantly strengthened by the first summit between GCC leaders and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The summit resulted in the adoption of a joint action plan (2023–2027), aimed at deepening collaboration in political, economic, environmental, and cultural domains.
Albudaiwi stressed that this partnership goes beyond strategy, representing a comprehensive and enduring alliance. He pointed out that political coordination between the two sides is essential in addressing regional challenges, promoting peace, and ensuring stability across the Middle East, thus contributing to both regional and global security.
Nuclear energy cooperation, he added, is a cornerstone of this partnership. The GCC seeks to benefit from China’s advanced expertise to develop peaceful nuclear capabilities, enhance energy security, and build nuclear infrastructure in line with international safety standards. Such cooperation aligns with the GCC’s commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in energy and technological advancement. He emphasized that sustained dialogue and knowledge sharing would be instrumental in realizing shared goals and ensuring long-term prosperity for both regions.