Ministers from China and the Arab world signed the "Beijing Manifesto" at the conclusion of the recent 6th ministerial meeting of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum or CASCF.

CASCF was reported to have come up with concrete plans and goals to expand business ties between the Arab world and China.

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Officials from both sides call the Beijing Manifesto a significant step in the strategic cooperation between China and the Arab world. During the meeting, China proposed a comprehensive cooperation strategy it called "1+2+3."

Chinese officials said "One" refers to energy cooperation; "Two" to improving trade and investment and "Three" to both sides improving cooperation in new sectors.

"The two sides will continue to collaborate and ensure a long-term oil strategy in order to ensure mutual energy security." said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Number 2 intends to change the existing trade and investment situation between China and the Arabs. China's imports from the Arab states accounted for only 7% of total annual imports in 2013 while Chinese investments in the region came to only 2.2% of the total.

China intends to increase its bilateral trade volume from last year's US$240 billion to US$600 billion and increase non-financial investment in Arab states from last year's US$10 billion to US$60 billion in 10 years.

Improving both sides' cooperation in new sectors includes nuclear energy, aerospace technology and new energy. China will also work closely with the Arab countries in areas such as infrastructure construction and job creation.

Analysts said China's strategic cooperation with the Arab world is an important part of its plans to build a Silk Road economic belt and a maritime Silk Road.

The three documents approved at CACSF are expected to provide a blueprint for cooperation over the next 10 years.

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered the keynote address at the opening ceremony of the conference held in Beijing.

TagsCACSF, Arab, Meeting, cooperation