The UAE is set to witness a surge in electric vehicles (EVs) and futuristic flying cars from China, according to the newly-appointed Chinese consul general, Ou Boqian.
Boqian highlighted the growing bilateral relations between the UAE and China by saying, "The UAE and China relations are growing in all aspects. And as we celebrate the 40th anniversary of our bilateral relationship, we see further growth in the field of innovation and technology – in particular, new and renewable energy and futuristic transport," noted Boqian, adding the influx of Chinese-made EVs and flying cars will boost UAE's diversification and economic sustainability.
Strengthening Bonds through Innovation and Technology
Boqian emphasised the UAE's and China's shared vision of the future, citing a parallel development trajectory over the past four decades. She noted that both countries have experienced rapid economic growth, with the UAE's diversification efforts aligning with China's economic reforms and establishing special economic zones.
Boqian highlighted the UAE's role as an attractive market for eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) or flying vehicles, especially in Dubai, which is actively pursuing new technologies for its innovative city initiatives.
Cultivating Cultural and Educational Exchanges
Beyond economic partnerships, Boqian emphasised the importance of cultural and people-to-people relations between China and the UAE.
"China and UAE's strong relations are not only based on a strong economic foundation but also people-to-people relations. That is why we are also developing our cultural exchanges," she added, noting a solid demand among Emiratis and expatriates to learn the Chinese language.
"China has also opened its first public-funded school in Dubai, and there are more than 500 Chinese studying at various UAE universities taking up finance, education, communication, and energy science courses," she continued.
Boqian also mentioned plans to encourage more Chinese students to study in the UAE, hoping to establish a Chinese college in Dubai soon. Additionally, she discussed initiatives to strengthen tourism ties, aiming to reach pre-pandemic levels of 1.12 Chinese tourists visiting the UAE.
She also added that she plans to hold more concerts and arts and cultural shows to strengthen the diplomatic relationship with the UAE.
A Glimpse into Boqian's Diplomatic Journey
Boqian was born in June 1966 in Tianjin, a prominent port city in northeastern China. Her extensive diplomatic career spans various postings and assignments across China, Australia, Grenada, Japan, and South Korea, and her most recent role as secretary-general of the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (China, Japan, South Korea).
Her career path saw her serving as Attaché at the Department of African Affairs of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs from 1990 to 1993 and later as Attaché and Third Secretary at the Chinese Embassy in Uganda from 1993 to 1996.
Her appointment as the Chinese consul general in Dubai underscores the growing importance of UAE-China relations. It highlights the commitment to strengthen further ties through innovation, technology, culture, and education.
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