Industry Minister, Chinese Chargé d’Affaires discuss boosting economic, trade ties.

In a significant move to bolster bilateral relations, Yemen’s Minister of Industry and Trade, Mohammed Al-Ashwal, engaged in talks with Zhao Cheng, the acting Chinese Ambassador to Yemen, in Aden, the temporary capital. The discussions, held today, focused on enhancing and developing the mutual cooperation and economic and trade relations between the two friendly nations.

Expanding Trade and Investment

The meeting addressed several key issues of mutual interest, including the facilitation of direct exports from Yemen to China, with a special emphasis on fishery products. Both parties also discussed strengthening Chinese support for commercial and industrial investments in areas such as energy and the development of the industrial base in Yemen.

Minister Al-Ashwal expressed his aspiration for the establishment of a Yemeni-Chinese bank to ease the financial transactions for exporters and importers between the two countries. He also highlighted the Chinese side’s cooperation in adopting vital projects in clean energy, electricity, development of Yemeni ports, oil explorations, and the reconstruction of infrastructure devastated by war. This reconstruction effort is seen as a cornerstone of the Belt and Road Initiative, illustrating the depth of the trade relationship that exceeds three billion dollars annually.

Joint Efforts for Balanced Trade

Al-Ashwal underscored the importance of ongoing coordination and meetings focused on trade and industrial aspects, proposing the formation of a Yemeni-Chinese joint committee. This initiative aims to rejuvenate the trade balance, recently affected by incidents in the Red Sea, and to activate agreements signed between the two countries, notably the Belt and Road Initiative. He praised China’s steadfast positions supporting Yemen’s unity, stability, and comprehensive peace, in line with nationally agreed references and regionally and internationally supported resolutions.

China’s Support and Humanitarian Aid

On his part, the acting Chinese Ambassador reaffirmed China’s commitment to providing support and humanitarian assistance across various fields. He mentioned the embassy’s efforts to facilitate visa issuance for Yemeni traders and to provide customs and tax exemptions for Yemeni exports to China.

Furthermore, Zhao Cheng extended an invitation to Minister Al-Ashwal to attend the reception marking the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 68th anniversary of the establishment of Chinese-Yemeni diplomatic relations, expressing his wishes for peace and stability in Yemen.

This meeting marks a pivotal step in strengthening the economic and trade relations between Yemen and China, promising a brighter future for bilateral cooperation.

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