25 Jul 2025
The forum commenced with an opening address by Prof. Xiaobo Xu, Executive Dean of CIE and Director of HeXie Academy. He highlighted that the Industry Insight Forum aims to integrate resources from industry, academia, government, and society through the "Five-Star Matrix" model, creating XJTLU’s boundary-transcending X-Eco Mall platform to drive deep convergence of innovation, talent, industry, and capital chains. Drawing on his 20 years of international teaching and research experience, Dean Xu emphasised the original purpose of this Industry Insight Forum to empower enterprises in global expansion and elevate Chinese brands worldwide.
Prof. Yuting Wang, Chair of the International Studies Department at the American University of Sharjah, delivered a keynote speech titled "Social Development, Labor System Changes, and Investment Environment in the UAE". She analysed the UAE’s evolution from a tribal society in the colonial era to a modern federal state, noting how the rise of the oil economy spurred social transformation. However, she pointed out that non-oil sectors have recently gained prominence, reflecting a clear trend toward economic diversification. Prof. Wang particularly highlighted the challenges and opportunities of the UAE’s Emiratisation policy, especially the profound impact of the 2024 labour reforms on businesses. Additionally, she discussed advancements in women’s rights, adjustments to immigration policies, and the growth of Sino-UAE bilateral relations, offering valuable insights for Chinese investors.
Next, Dr. Shujun Jiang, Associate Professor in the Media and Creative Industries Department at United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), presented on "Glocalization and Innovation: Case Studies of China’s High-tech Corporate Strategies in the MENA". She examined the strategic importance of the region in terms of energy, geography, economy, and culture, underscoring its potential as a key market for Chinese enterprises’ global expansion. Through case studies of Alibaba Cloud, Yalla, and Nanjing Jiayi 3D Printing, Dr. Jiang detailed how Chinese companies successfully entered the Middle Eastern market via joint ventures, localised innovation, and ecosystem building. She stressed the need for policy adaptation, cultural integration, brand development, and long-term patience, urging Chinese firms to enhance international branding to boost their global influence.
A panel discussion, moderated by Dean Xu, featured four guests who explored current trends, challenges, and opportunities for Chinese enterprises abroad, while sharing successful practices from Suzhou Industrial Park’s internationalisation efforts.
Mr. Feng Xiao, Vice President of the Middle East International Exhibition Group (MIE), shared practical insights into the Middle East and African markets. He observed rapid growth in the Middle East, particularly in sectors like renewable energy and construction materials. Mr. Xiao advised companies to adopt a "trade-first" approach, leveraging exhibitions to build local partnerships and gradually penetrate the market.
During the panel, experts underscored the critical role of cross-cultural communication. Prof. Wang noted the Middle East’s cultural diversity and complexity, urging enterprises to deeply understand local religions, customs, and social structures to avoid collaboration pitfalls.
At the closing ceremony, Dean Xu and Prof. Lei Liang from CIE and HeXie Academy presented Prof. Yuting Wang and Dr. Shujun Jiang with the titles of "X-Eco Mall Industrial Intelligence Ambassador (XEMIIA)" and Mr. Feng Xiao with "X-Eco Mall Strategic Synergy Ambassador (XEMSSA)", accompanied by copies of Prof. Youmin Xi’s works "HeXie Management Theory" and "What Management Could Be and Do?" as commemorative gifts, laying a solid foundation for future resource integration and strategic collaboration.
In concluding remarks, Dean Xu stated that the forum was not only a convergence of ideas but also a starting point for action. Future editions of the Industry Insight Forum will focus on specific industries, regions, or themes to deepen cross-sector collaboration, empower Chinese enterprises abroad, and co-create a global innovation ecosystem.
The success of this forum has laid a strong foundation for the establishment of CIE’s "Belt and Road Division (MENA)" and marks a pivotal step in advancing university-enterprise-government cooperation and global resource integration. Moving forward, CIE will collaborate with more partners to unlock the full potential of the X-Eco Mall platform, injecting new momentum into Chinese enterprises’ global expansion.
25 Jul 2025