In Dongguan, a new initiative has been launched to enhance trade and investment connections between China and Saudi Arabia, highlighting the increasing bilateral cooperation in digital commerce and e-commerce innovation.
The ‘Brands China to the Middle East’ Hub was officially opened at ICDC Songshan Lake International Creative Design City during the Saudi ICDC Procurement Matchmaking Conference. Organized by Global Digital Investment Synergy (GDIS) in collaboration with the Union of Arab Chambers (UAC), ICDC Songshan Lake, and Saudi e-commerce platform Kasa, the event attracted over 100 representatives from governmental bodies, industry leaders, and brand executives from both nations.
This new hub will function as a permanent exhibition and transaction center, connecting approved Chinese suppliers with Saudi buyers. GDIS states the initiative aims to simplify export processes and expedite market entry for brands from the Greater Bay Area into the Kingdom and the broader Middle East.
GDIS will manage the hub using a hybrid model that integrates a Saudi-based sales team, a physical showroom in the Kingdom, and partnerships with prominent social media influencers. This strategy aims to increase direct-to-order conversions for both consumer and industrial products.
“GDIS aims to establish sustainable and transparent trade bridges between Chinese manufacturers and Saudi partners through this platform, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 digital economy strategy,” stated Mariam Gao, Chairwoman of GDIS.
Innovating with Livestream-Based Trade
As part of the initiative, GDIS is also launching a livestream-focused trade mechanism, allowing Chinese brands—especially SMEs—to boost their visibility and credibility in the Gulf market.
Utilizing its local Saudi team and collaborations with leading influencers and MCN agencies, GDIS is hosting livestream sourcing festivals to highlight key categories such as electronics, home goods, and beauty. This model addresses common exporter hurdles, such as fragmented channels and limited brand awareness while providing direct access to Saudi buyers.
Executives from UAC, Kasa, GDIS, and ICDC emphasized that the hub will elevate the profile of “Dongguan manufacturing” and Greater Bay Area innovation, while offering Saudi partners dependable sourcing opportunities backed by localized operations.
Notable attendees included Khalid Hammadi, director of UAC (China Region); Abu Ghazi, president of Kasa Online Platform; Salim Abu Khalid, president of Saudi Golden Ant Trading Corporation; and Zhang Guihua, chairman of ICDC Songshan Lake.
Future Prospects
Dongguan, a key manufacturing hub in the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macau Greater Bay Area, is setting the new hub as a long-term anchor for China–Saudi commercial ties.
By merging China’s manufacturing prowess with Saudi Arabia’s rapidly expanding digital trade ecosystem, the GDIS-led initiative marks a significant milestone in bilateral cooperation, creating new business opportunities, generating jobs, and promoting sustainable economic growth in both markets.
This project represents not only a milestone in commercial exchange but also a symbol of the strengthening partnership between China and the Arab Region, built on shared vision and mutual benefit.
