Technology 'key' to trade with Arab world

Chinese companies will have to add more high-tech elements to their products, if they want to cash in on the growing trade between China and the Arab world, said Li Jinzao, China's vice-minister of commerce.

"Amid economic globalization and regional integration, the economic and trade ties between China and the Arab world are increasingly close, with the rapid rise of bilateral trade," said Li at a news conference on Wednesday.

In 2012, bilateral trade between China and Arab nations hit $222.4 billion, up 14 percent and a record high. Chinese exports to Arab countries stood at $91.3 billion and imports from the region reached $131.1 billion.