On November 28th, 2023, the 64th session of the Youth Academic Workshop on International Studies of Fudan University (YAWIS Fudan) convened at the Center for Japanese Studies of Fudan University. The focus of this session was "The Mechanism and Foundation of China-Arab Digital Economic Cooperation."
Dr. Wang Xiaoyu, an associate professor at the Center for Middle Eastern Studies of Fudan University (CMES Fudan), served as the keynote speaker. Professor Qi Huaigao, Vice Dean of the Institute of International Studies of Fudan University (IIS Fudan), moderated the session. Professor Sun Degang, the director of CMES Fudan, provided commentary. This event attracted over 20 faculty and students from Fudan University to join the meeting.
（The 64th YAWIS Fudan）
(Dr. Wang presented her research on “The Mechanism and Foundation of China-Arab Digital Economic Cooperation”)
The lecture comprehensively analyzed the impetus, connotations, current situation, conditions, and challenges of China-Arab digital economic cooperation. First and foremost, Dr. Wang introduced the impetus for bilateral digital economic cooperation in the context of current international and domestic backgrounds. Secondly, she delved into the concept of the digital economy, explaining the critical contents of China-Arab digital economic cooperation by clarifying the connection and difference between the "digital economy" and the "Digital Silk Road." Thirdly, the lecture introduced the current cooperation situation, especially the development status of Arab countries' digital economy regarding the crucial dimensions such as digital economy development strategy, ICT infrastructure, human capital, e-government, and e-commerce. Last but not least, by analyzing the "joys" and "worries" in digital economic cooperation, the lecture concluded with an analysis of the challenges of China-Arab digital economic cooperation.
（The 64th YAWIS Fudan）
In the review session, Prof. Sun Degang shed light on the challenges of China-Arab digital economic cooperation based on his research. He pointed out that in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the digital economy had become a new frontier for comprehensive cooperation between China and Arab countries. As representatives of developing countries, China and Arab countries aimed to narrow the digital divide with Western developed countries, break Western digital hegemony and monopolies, and oppose the politicization and securitization of digital economic cooperation.
（Comments by Prof. Sun Degang）
（The 64th YAWIS Fudan）
During the discussion session, the teachers and students raised questions. They engaged in discussions on topics such as the indicator system of the digital economy, the development characteristics of Arab countries' digital economy, and the prospects of China-Arab digital economic cooperation under the context of major power competition.
(The group photo of the 64th YAWIS Fudan)
Dr. Wang Xiaoyu holds a bachelor's and master's degree in Arabic language and literature, along with a Ph.D. in economics. She completed her postdoctoral research at the Shanghai International Studies University. In June 2023, she joined Fudan University as a young associate researcher at the IIS Fudan. Over the years, Dr. Wang has published over ten academic papers in journals and has chaired several research projects, including the National Social Science Youth Project Fund.
