As an Arab researcher interested in international economic relations, I had the opportunity to read an English-language summary of a new book by Dr. Wang Xiaoyu, published in October 2024 by the China Social Sciences Press, titled "A Study of Chinese Exports and Investments in the Middle East from the Perspective of Informal Systems." This book is undoubtedly one of the most prominent academic institutions in China, with its broad credibility and influential presence in research circles. Through careful reading, I can say that this work is not limited to purely economic analysis but rather opens up a cognitive and humanistic horizon that transcends traditional models, offering a comprehensive vision of the dimensions of Sino-Arab interaction.
اضافة اعلان
The Book's Importance in the Current Context
Since the first China-Arab Summit in December 2022, it has become clear that the course of cooperation between the two sides has witnessed a qualitative development. The celebration in May 2024 of the 20th anniversary of the founding of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum reflects the depth and breadth of this trend. With the second summit, scheduled to be held in China in 2026, this book gains double importance. It provides solid knowledge that can serve as both an academic reference for researchers and a practical tool for policymakers.
A New Theoretical and Methodological Contribution: The book's most notable feature is its innovative theoretical and methodological framework. Most previous studies on economic relations between China and the Arab world have focused on energy issues, official policies, and government agreements, while informal dimensions such as cultural, linguistic, and value factors have remained marginal. However, Dr. Xiaoyu presents a different approach, placing informal systems at the heart of the analysis, drawing on the new institutionalist school that emphasizes the role of "soft" factors in shaping economic interactions.
The book employs quantitative tools and econometric models to measure linguistic gaps, cultural differences, and value disparities between the two parties. Through these tools, the author demonstrates that informal systems are not merely minor details, but rather a fundamental element that determines the success or failure of economic cooperation. In doing so, the book not only fills a knowledge gap but also opens a new path for researchers in the fields of international economics and Middle East studies.
Applied Dimension: Challenges and Opportunities: From a practical perspective, the book draws attention to the fact that the obstacles facing the Belt and Road Initiative are not limited to customs duties or formal procedures, but also extend to difficulties in understanding and communication. The author presents concrete examples, such as the China-Arab States Expo in Ningxia and the Arab trade networks in the Chinese city of Yiwu, to demonstrate how informal systems contribute to facilitating or complicating cooperation.
This analysis touches on the reality of the Arab reader, as it demonstrates that the success of any long-term economic project is linked to strengthening mutual trust and developing an institutional environment based on cultural and social understanding. Policies and agreements, however robust, are not sufficient alone to ensure the sustainability of cooperation without a supportive soft infrastructure, including education, cultural exchange, and social openness. Strategic Dimension: A Vision for the Future: Strategically, the publication of this book coincides with a critical phase for Arab countries, as they actively seek to diversify their economies and strengthen their international partnerships. The author emphasizes that informal systems represent a fundamental pillar for the success of cooperation within the Belt and Road Initiative, complementing the "hard link" of infrastructure and finance with the "soft link" of mutual trust and cultural harmony.
This approach reflects a deep understanding of Arab development priorities and is consistent with the long path charted by the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum over two decades. Perhaps the book's most significant added value is that it provides an institutional framework that can be relied upon to improve cooperative governance and increase the effectiveness of implementation mechanisms, enabling Sino-Arab relations to move from mere trade exchange to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
It can be said that "Studying Chinese Exports and Investment in the Middle East from the Perspective of Informal Systems" constitutes a qualitative addition on both the theoretical and practical levels. From a theoretical perspective, it presents an innovative approach that integrates economics with culture, language, and social values. In terms of application, it presents real-life examples demonstrating that building cooperation cannot succeed without integrating informal systems into strategic calculations.
The greatest value of this book lies in its capacity as an epistemological bridge between the Arab and Chinese worlds, enabling researchers to rethink cooperation mechanisms and providing decision-makers with practical ideas for reducing transaction costs and enhancing the quality of partnerships. With the Second China-Arab Summit approaching, this work is an indispensable reference for anyone seeking to understand the future of China-Arab relations and contribute to elevating them to greater depth and sustainability.
