Kuwait 'State of Honor' at China-Arab States Expo

The State of Kuwait is taking part in the China-Arab States Expo 2013 with a delegation headed by Minister of Commerce and Industry Anas Al-Saleh, Assistant Undersecretary for International and Economic Organizations Affairs Dr. Abdullah Al-Ewaisi told KUNA, Sunday. The official said the expo kicks off September 15, co-hosted by the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, and People's Government of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. The event is held in cooperation with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and senior officials from over 20 Arab countries and different Chinese regions are to attend different activities, he said. The Expo is a means to bolster bilateral cooperation between the Arab region and China, and particularly aims to enhance interaction and exchange in the fields of economy, commerce, and investment. Part of this event, the organizers are holding a number of conferences, forums, workshops, and specialized exhibitions. Kuwait is taking part upon invitation of the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, the official remarked, and the State of Kuwait was selected as this year's Country of Honor, in appreciation of the strong bonds between the two nations and Kuwait's many contributions to charitable and developmental projects in China. "Taking part in this expo in China, among the world's biggest economies, is a golden opportunity to showcase our country's economic and social experience, and a great opportunity to bolster trade and investment relations." According to the official, a number of state bodies are contributing to the Kuwaiti participation, as well as several private sector institutions interested in trade partnership and exchange with China. Apart from trade attractions, a friendly soccer match is also organized, along with a performance by Kuwait Television Folklore Troupe, to enhance the cultural aspect of the expo. A forum with the theme "Kuwait-China Cooperation" is also in the program. The China-Arab States Expo 2013 opens September 15 and lasts four days.