interview
F
riendship between China and Bahrain dates back to ancient times and, in recent years, since the establishment of diplomatic ties, bilateral relations have continued to develop rapidly. “Since I assumed my mission in April 2015, under the guidance of the leaders of our two countries and with the joint efforts of our peoples, the high-level exchanges have become more frequent, mutual trust has been constantly strengthened, economic cooperation has been greatly promoted and cultural and educational exchanges have achieved great success,” says the ambassador. He adds that his aim is to enhance the allaround exchange and cooperation, especially with the integration and implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative – a common development strategy proposed by the Chinese government aimed at increasing connectivity with the rest of Eurasia – and integration with Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030. In 2016, the Economic Development Board (EDB) set up a new office in Hong Kong, which is its second branch in China. His Excellency says: “China will constantly expand its investment and trade to Bahrain and the EDB is also planning to establish more branches in China, which will play an important role to foster bilateral trade relations. China is always ready to provide assistance and help for that.” Though figures are incomplete, Ambassador Qi Zhenhong says there are more than 2,000 Chinese living and working in Bahrain and most of them are tenants of Dragon City and staff of Huawei. “I believe that with the rapid development of the economic cooperation and personnel exchanges between China and Bahrain, the number of Chinese people in the Kingdom will increase constantly,” he adds. At the invitation of the EDB, a delegation led by the Mayor of Shenzhen City visited Bahrain in September 2016 and an MoU of friendship between Shenzhen and Manama was signed. At the same time, the ChinaBahrain Trade and Investment Cooperation Forum led to various other agreements. And last November, HE, Shaikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, Governor of Capital Governorate, visited Shenzhen and attended the 18th China Hi-Tech Fair. A further example of cooperation is the work of Chinese company CPIC Abahsain Fiberglass, which is planning to invest USD500 million in Bahrain to expand four production lines. One line is already in use, the second is under construction. Work on the third and fourth will start this year and be completed in 2020. His Excellency says: “This will be just a 46 March 2017
HE Qi Zhenhong
A COOPERATIVE FRIENDSHIP LIZ O’REILLY Almost two years into his posting, HE Qi Zhenhong, Chinese Ambassador, talks about the ever-growing relationship between China and Bahrain. beginning, and some large-scale cooperative projects of infrastructural construction and production capacity will follow closely with our joint efforts.” And though trade between the two countries fell to around USD1.2 billion in 2015, partly due to the sharp drop in oil prices, Ambassador Qi Zhenhong is confident of great improvement of the bilateral investment and trade volume. Culturally too, the two countries are close and an MoU was recently signed which will see the region’s first Chinese Cultural Centre set up on the island. His Excellency explains: “The Chinese Ministry of Culture and Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities are working together to cooperate and coordinate to complete the establishment of the centre as soon as possible. “Bahrain was chosen for three reasons: firstly, it is a safe and stable oasis in the Middle East, it promotes policies of economic diversity and Bahraini people are friendly to foreigners; secondly, in recent years the cultural exchanges between China and Bahrain have become increasingly close. Large-scale art events such
as the Chinese Culture Festival and Chinese Culture Month have been successfully held in Bahrain, creating an important platform to spread Chinese culture and deepen our mutual understanding and friendship. Since 2016, the Suzhou Ballet Art Troupe, Anhui Acrobatic Art Troupe and Gansu Long Theatre Art Troupe have visited, giving wonderful and popular performances to the local audience. Thirdly, the Chinese Cultural Centre will further enhance our cultural exchange and cooperation, and enhance the friendship of our two peoples.” His Excellency enjoys sampling local culture. His wife also works in the embassy and he concludes: “All members of the Bahraini social community are friendly to China and Chinese people. We enjoy our safe, comfortable and pleasant lives here. I have been in extensive contact with Bahraini people from all circles and have made lots of friends here. My favourite thing is to join hands with all the Bahraini friends to enhance cooperation and promote the bilateral relations between China and Bahrain onto a new level.” www.bahrainthismonth.com