In a symbolic convergence of history and high technology, the city of Xi'an—once the eastern gateway of the ancient Silk Road—has been named the permanent China venue of the UAE's Annual Investment Meeting (AIM) Congress, marking a new chapter in the deepening digital and economic ties between China and the Arab world.

On October 30, 2024, the China-Arab Digital Economy Industry Development Conferenceand the Inauguration of AIM Congress's China Permanent Venuewere held in Xi'an. The event brought together senior Chinese officials and Arab economic leaders, including Fang Hongwei, Member of the Standing Committee of Shaanxi Province and Secretary of the Xi'an Municipal Committee; Yusupjan Maimaiti, Vice Chairman of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region; and key representatives from the Arab Federation for Digital Economy, UAE World Investment Group, and the AIM Global Foundation.

In his welcome address, Secretary Fang emphasized Xi'an's long-standing trade and cultural ties with the Arab world, stating that the city is committed to accelerating reforms and opening-up initiatives under China's national strategy. He invited global partners to join Xi'an in exploring the next frontier of digital transformation, citing cooperation opportunities in digital infrastructure, smart manufacturing, e-commerce, green technology, and digital humanities.

“We are standing at the crossroads of ancient heritage and future innovation,” Fang said. “Xi'an is ready to work hand-in-hand with partners from the UAE and beyond to co-create the digital Silk Road.”

Vice Chairman Maimaiti underscored Xinjiang's growing role as a bridge between China and the Middle East. “From energy to culture, Xinjiang and the UAE share expanding areas of collaboration. We welcome all entrepreneurs and investors to explore opportunities in this vibrant region,” he noted.

From the UAE side, Dr. Ali Al-Khouri, Chairman of the Arab Federation for Digital Economy, and Walid Farghal, President of AIM Global Foundation, echoed the commitment to fostering long-term, diversified economic partnerships with China. UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudialso extended support via video message.

“The UAE was among the first to support the Belt and Road Initiative,” said Farghal. “Our goal with AIM is to create a resilient ecosystem for sustainable investment—digital economy is now at the heart of this mission.”

At the event, the Xi'an Municipal Government, the Arab Federation for Digital Economy, and the AIM Global Foundationsigned a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding. Multiple cooperation projects were launched, including the China-Arab Belt and Road Digital Economy Industry Development Fund, a Digital Services and Trade Center for Northwest China, and strategic agreements on cross-border investment facilitation.

In parallel, the 2025 AIM Congress hosted a high-level roundtable with the Xi'an governmentto explore investment synergies. Discussions focused on leveraging Xi'an's growing role as a western Chinese economic hub and the UAE's position as a global investment gateway.

“Xi'an offers a rare combination of market potential, industrial depth, and innovation capabilities,” said Marc Tarragó, Executive Director of AIM Congress. “By building this bridge with the UAE, we aim to unlock strategic channels for capital, technology, and talent flows.”

The roundtable brought together senior city officials including Vice Mayor Xio Qi, as well as representatives from Shaanxi's new development zones, culture and tourism bureaus, and AIM Global's Greater China leadership.