China-Arab forum paves way for further economic, political cooperation

"The revival of the Silk Road is important; the more it reduces the cost and time for transport of goods, the higher their competitiveness in the markets will be," the top Arab investment expert told Xinhua.

He stressed that the regularly-held China-Arab forum is a "good habit" that enhances ties between the two sides and provides potentials for raising the level of cooperation to presidential levels.

"Arabs should learn how China became the largest world exporter and how it attracted the largest amounts of foreign investments," Bayoumi told Xinhua.

Omar al-Hassan, head of the Gulf Center for Strategic Studies, stressed that China has "real huge partnerships" with Arabs in general and the Gulf states in particular.

"The Belt and Road initiative is very important as it may open new horizons for China-Arab economic cooperation that reflects on political cooperation and coordination between the two sides," the Gulf expert told Xinhua.

Hassan believes that any further step in the Chinese-Arab economic cooperation will enhance partnership between the two sides, and will in turn reflect on their political cooperation. "Arab states look at China and turn to it as an important partner," he added.

For his part, Ahmed Wali, vice chairman of Egypt-China Friendship Association, said that the initiative will open a new window for larger economic cooperation between China and the Arab world.

"The initiative is very significant for the Arabs and China alike, and every country the road passes through will benefit in many ways, mainly in the commercial and the cultural fields," " Wali told Xinhua, noting that the revival of such a key ancient commercial road will lead to further cultural interaction and exchange between China and the Arab nations.