22 May 2016
During her Last visit to China, H.E Meets Chinese Officials and High-Profile Culture Investors
As part of her continuous efforts to build cultural bridges and relations with the peoples of the world at large, H.E Shaikha Mai bint Mohammad Al Khalifa attended the First World Conference on Tourism for Development, which was held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, over the period of 18-21 May 2016, met many Chinese investors interested in cultural investment and sustainable development. Historical and cultural relations between both countries were highlighted.
Among these meetings held with Chinese officials, H.E had the privilege of discussing with the Chairman of the Board of Chinese Culture & Media Group, in charge of the cultural strategy in China, the potential cooperation opportunities with Bahrain with regard to the Chinese Cultural Center in Bahrain. They also discussed the Chinese support and contribution to sponsor Bahrain National Theater events, hosting a Chinese cultural exhibition, support for events celebrating Muharraq as the ‘Capital of Islamic culture in 2018’ and the possibility of establishing a TV channel that would enhance the promotion of arts and literature between both countries.
The Chinese side presented an invitation to H.E Shaikha Mai to attend and give a speech at the inaugural address at the ‘Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo’ (referred to as the Expo) that will be held on September 20-21, 2016 in Dunhuang City, Gansu Province. They both agreed to give ‘Pearling: Testimony of an Island Economy’ project a central position at this meeting. The Chinese officials also expressed their desire to hold the ‘Golden Bridge Forum’, being held in Morocco this year, in Bahrain in 2017.
In order to boost all-round, multi-channel and high level mutual learning, cultural exchanges and cooperation among countries and regions along the Silk Road, H.E Shaikha Mai bint Mohammad Al Khalifa also met many businessmen and investors in the rehabilitation and restoration of historic and heritage sites. In this regard, H.E met with Peter Wong Man Kong, president of Culture Resources Development Co Ltd, also Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of China Chamber of Tourism and Vice Chairman of Global Tourism Economy Forum. H.E also met with Pansy Ho. Managing Director Shun Tak Holdings Limited WTTC Executive Committee and discussed the possible investment opportunities in Bahrain cultural development.
This participation comes as part of Bahrain’s success in nominating many sustainable development projects along ‘Pearl Trail’ that H.E Shaikha Mai, president of the Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities (BACA) has highlighted during her participation at the First World Conference on Tourism for Development, organized by China in cooperation with the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) from May 18 to 20 under the theme ‘Tourism for Peace and Development’.
