Ningxia looks to weave Web of economies

China wants to broaden its trade and communication networks with Arab nations, said Lu Wei, minister of the Cyberspace Administration of China, on Thursday.

"The (modern day) Silk Road will connect the economies and cultures of China and Arab states," he said in his speech at the first 'Online Silk Road' Forum held by SIIO, the Ministry of Commerce and the Ningxia Hui autonomous regional government.

"The Internet is playing a key role in the Belt and Road Initiative and will lead China and Arab countries to form a community with shared interests."

He added in his speech that "Ningxia was an important hub along the ancient Silk Road and a bridge of cultures between China and Arab countries. Through the construction of the 'Online Silk Road', people from both sides will enjoy greater benefits for businesses and their livelihood."

Lu said authorities will find a common ground of cooperation for governments, companies and peoples from China and Arab countries through an international network channel in Ningxia of e-commerce platforms.

"We will speed up the construction of regional Internet facilities and a communication cable network, prioritize the allocation of Web infrastructure and promote the common use of 4G network and public Wi-FI to develop information-based platforms," Lu said.

The network channel will involve both China and Arab nations jointly conducting research and development, creating technological applications and sharing talents.

The Ningxia Hui autonomous regional government will support domestic companies in the construction of online trading and clearing centers to form a regional financial center that will be open to overseas countries.

"The 'online Silk Road' should be a safe, organized and smooth road to effectively connect the huge markets of China and Arab countries," Lu said.

Li Jianhua, the Party chief and top legislator of Ningxia, said the region has the capacity and responsibility to build the "Online Silk Road" to serve the countries who will potentially work with the Belt and Road Initiative.

"We hope the online Silk Road can bring more Chinese products to Arab states. The region will promote the applications of new technologies such as big data and cloud computing and strengthen financial services and human resources for companies involved in the initiative," he said.

At present, many Internet giants have a presence in Ningxia, including Amazon, Alibaba and Qihoo 360.

Tian Suning, chairman of China Broadband Capital Partners, said Ningxia needs to take advantage of this opportunity to become the center of construction for Internet infrastructure between China and Arab states.

Contact the writers through dujuan@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 09/12/2015 page10)