On the afternoon of April 17, Professor Zhang Weiwei, Director of the China Institute at Fudan University, delivered a keynote lecture titled Understanding Chinese-style Modernization through Reform and Opening-up to participants of the 24th Arab Officials Seminar.
Professor Zhang emphasized that China has embraced globalization with a win-win approach and has emerged as a major hub of the global economy. Compared with the United States, China excels in several livelihood indicators such as household net worth and the Engel coefficient. It is also steadily advancing in the field of science and technology. He highlighted the unique advantages of Chinese-style modernization—such as prioritizing the people's interests, implementing gradual reforms, and practicing selective learning. In particular, China’s remarkable success in poverty alleviation has garnered international recognition and offers a new development model for the world. During the Q&A session, Professor Zhang engaged with the Arab officials on topics including the middle-income trap and China-U.S. strategic competition.
On April 16, under the theme “Chinese Modernization and the Pillars of National Strength,” the officials conducted field visits to Jiangnan Shipyard, Baosteel Co., Ltd., and United Imaging Healthcare. Through these visits, they witnessed the impressive achievements and innovative practices of China’s shipbuilding industry, gained insights into the industrial strength behind major national projects, and explored how independent innovation builds core competitiveness.
Arab officials were equally impressed by the innovations of Chinese medical technology enterprises and expressed a strong desire to facilitate the entry of such companies into Arab countries, hoping to bring advanced technologies into regional healthcare systems and improve public health and well-being across the Arab world.