The China-GCC Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum kicked off at the Guangzhou Baiyun International Conference Center on Oct 22, with a multitude of prominent political figures in attendance.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), known as the Gulf Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, is the primary political and economic organization in the Gulf region. Established in 1981 and headquartered in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, it comprises six member states: Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain.

Around 400 representatives from government departments, enterprises, financial institutions, chambers of commerce, and think tanks from China and Arab countries attended the opening ceremony, including Oman, the UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait. They gathered to discuss the new opportunities for China-GCC cooperation, as this year marks the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative.

In addition, the event offered a reception dinner with unique Lingnan culture characteristics, known as "Guangzhou Night", to welcome guests from all around the world.