Roadshow for tech firms to expand overseas held

A roadshow for Chinese tech companies to expand in the Middle East was held during the the 27th China Hi-Tech Fair (CHTF) at the Shenzhen World Exhibition and Convention Center.

The event was hosted by the Shenzhen Municipal Bureau of Science and Technology Innovation and organized by Shenzhen SenseTime Technology Co.

Participants from China’s leading tech firms, government bodies, and service sectors attend a roadshow aimed at expanding Chinese tech presence in the Middle East, held during the 27th China Hi-Tech Fair (CHTF) at the Shenzhen World Exhibition and Convention Center. Photos from WeChat account "深圳市人工智能行业协会”

The roadshow not only brought together representatives from outstanding tech companies from the B2B, B2G, and B2C sectors, including SenseTime, Shenzhen Smart City Group, Telling Telecommunication and Wisson Technologies, but also guests from government, academia, and financial services such as Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund (PIF), Shenzhen-Hong Kong Hetao Academy, and Bank of China.

At the event, Zhang Lin, director of the Shenzhen Municipal Bureau of Science and Technology Innovation, said that digital transformation in Middle Eastern countries like Saudi Arabia is advancing rapidly under the grand blueprints of Saudi Arabia’s "Vision 2030" and the UAE’s "National AI Strategy 2031." There is a burgeoning demand in areas such as artificial intelligence and smart cities, which closely complements Shenzhen’s strengths as a hub of AI innovation in China. This synergy opens up vast opportunities for Chinese high-tech companies to expand globally.

Yang Fan, co-founder of SenseTime, said that SenseTime’s globalization has never been about "selling Chinese technology overseas," but about "using AI technology to solve local problems." Since entering Saudi Arabia in 2018, Sensetime has been cultivating smart city projects, smart tourism, and AI education in the Middle East, providing innovative AI solutions for the region. Since its inception, SenseTime has placed globalization at the core of its strategy. It has now expanded to over 10 countries and regions, collaborating extensively with local government agencies, universities, and enterprises. The company has gained widespread recognition and support from local venture funds, creating multiple benchmark AI implementation cases and establishing long-term strategic partnerships with several leading overseas clients.

Participants listen to a keynote address during the Chinese tech roadshow focused on Middle East expansion.

The 27th China Hi-Tech Fair concluded Sunday with intended transactions exceeding 170 billion yuan (US$1.096 billion). This year’s CHTF attracted procurement groups from over 120 countries and regions, facilitating 1,023 on-site signed projects. The event showcased a range of high-tech products, highlighting China’s progress in technological self-reliance and innovation.