The University of Hong Kong Holds Inaugural Saudi Economic Forum to Foster Education and Innovation Partnerships between China and the Kingdom

The University of Hong Kong (HKU) successfully hosted the inaugural HKU Saudi Economic Forum in Riyadh under the theme “Fostering Global Competitiveness of Chinese and Saudi Enterprises”. Serving as a new platform for exchange between China and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the forum marked a significant step toward strengthening bilateral dialogue, economic integration, and educational collaboration under the frameworks of China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Saudi Vision 2030. The event gathered nearly 100 prominent leaders, policymakers, and senior executives from both nations to explore new avenues for cooperation in innovation, investment, technology, and talent development. 

In his opening remarks, Professor Hongbin CAI, Dean of HKU Business School, expressed confidence in the growing partnership between the two sides. “This Forum is our first in the Kingdom, and a meaningful beginning for broader collaboration between Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia,” he said.

Professor Cai also voiced optimism about Saudi Arabia’s transformation under Vision 2030 and China’s Belt and Road Initiative, noting that China’s rapid development has been powered by sustained investment in education, research, and human capital. “Universities have played a central role in this transformation,” he remarked. “We believe that cooperation in education will be a cornerstone of the Saudi–Chinese partnership. As a top-ranked global university with deep networks in China and around the world, HKU aspires to serve as a bridge of knowledge between the two nations.”

H.E. Fahad AL HASHEM, Assistant Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Investment, highlighted the long-standing depth of China–Saudi relations, noting that “the relationship between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and China is not new; it spans decades and has resulted in commercial cooperation exceeding USD 150 billion, with an annual increase of 30% recently.” He commented that, beyond the unprecedented transformation of the Kingdom across various sectors under Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is working to develop areas including education, technology, renewable energy, and artificial intelligence, and welcomes partnerships with leading Chinese firms and educational institutions.

The forum also featured thematic discussions on cross-border education, global city development, and innovation partnerships. Discussions underscored the growing opportunities to jointly advance the digital economy and AI applications, while exploring China’s successful experiences in energy transition and intelligent infrastructure as references for Saudi projects.

Photo Caption

1-Professor Hongbin CAI, Dean of HKU Business School, delivers welcome remarks.

2- H.E. Fahad AL HASHEM, Assistant Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Investment, delivers keynote speech on “Saudi Arabia and China – A Strategic Partnership for the Future”.

3- Fireside Chat on “Universities Collaborate to Cultivate Cross-Cultural Business Talents” with (from left) Masheal ALSALEH, Business Development Manager, Ministry of Investment, Saudi Arabia; Professor Hongbin CAI, Dean of HKU Business School and Professor Hisham ALHADLAQ, Dean of Graduate Studies, King Saudi University.

4- Fireside Chat on “Dialogue Across the Silk Road: Business Innovation, Legal Transformation, and Global City Development” with (from left) Dr. Yuan ZHANG, Senior Non-Resident Research Fellow, Gulf Research Center as moderator, Dr. Martyn DAVIES, Head of City Excellence, Royal Commission for Riyadh City and Professor Torki Abdullah ALSHUBAIKI, Dean, College of Law and International Relations, Alfaisal University.

5- Dr. Basma ALBUHAIRAN, Managing Director of the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) Saudi Arabia delivers keynote speech on “Saudi Vision 2030: Emerging and Frontier Technologies”.

6- Round Table Dialogue on “Artificial Intelligence and Digital Economy: Joint Construction of China-Saudi Innovation Ecosystem” with (from left) Professor Pingyang GAO, Associate Dean of HKU Business School as moderator; Liang ZHAO, President of Huawei Saudi Arabia; Jingxian WU, General Manager of China Unicom Saudi Arabia; Jace SUN, General Manager of BGI Genomics West Asia and Yunglong GAO, YH Intelligent Technology. 

7- Round Table Dialogue on “Energy Revolution and Intelligent Infrastructure: New Opportunities for China-Saudi Arabia Production Capacity Cooperation” with (from left) Baozong FU, Deputy Director of International Cooperation Centre of the National Development and Reform Commission as moderator; Zhiyuan YANG, CEO China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd., Middle East and Chairman of China Habour Engineering Consortium Co, LLC and Lingchuan MIN, Deputy General Manager, Middle East Headquarters & General Manager, China Railway Construction Group, Co., Ltd., Saudi Branch; Kui WENG, Head of CATL Middle East Energy Storage Business and Pengfei HU, Co-President of Saudi Etihad Investment Company.

8- Prominent leaders, policymakers, academics and senior executives attended the Saudi Economic Forum.