Openness will lead to a brighter future

More than 2,000 delegates from 63 countries and regions attended last week’s Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2018 in Hainan province, China, themed ‘An Open and Innovative Asia for a World of Greater Prosperity’.

In his keynote speech, Chinese President Xi Jinping comprehensively reviewed the course of China’s reform and opening up and announced their expansion.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of China’s reform and opening up ushered by the Third Plenary Session of the 11th CPC (the Communist Party of China) Central Committee in 1978, thanks to Mr Deng Xiaoping.

Over the past four decades, the focus on national development has seen China grow into the second-largest economy and the largest industrial producer, trader of goods and holder of foreign exchange reserves.

It has seen an annual GDP average growth of 9.5 per cent and a 14.5 per cent growth in foreign trade.

POVERTY
More than 1.3 billion Chinese citizens now enjoy a moderately prosperous life.

According to the United Nations, more than 700 million Chinese — or over 70 per cent of the global total — have been lifted out of poverty.

China has embraced the world with open arms and shouldered its responsibilities.

From “bringing in” to “going global” and WTO accession to the Belt and Road Initiative, it has lately contributed over 30 per cent of global growth.

The successful practice of the Chinese, which has greatly influenced the world, is a proof that there is more than one path leading to modernisation.

COOPERATION
The world is now a global village with interconnected interests.

We have no option but to pursue greater connectivity and integrated development. We need to engage in win-win cooperation.

We should promote trade and investment liberalisation and advocate reform and innovation.

That way, we will make economic globalisation more open, inclusive, balanced and beneficial to all.

President Xi has proposed the initiative to build a community with a shared future for mankind.

This proposal has been welcomed and endorsed by a growing number of countries and people and cited in important UN documents.
SOCIALISM
October’s 19th CPC National Congress ushered socialism with Chinese characteristics into a new era.

President Xi emphasised that China will continue with its fundamental national policy of opening up and pursue development with its door open even wider.

China has entered a new phase of opening up.

It will significantly broaden market access, create a more attractive investment environment and expand imports.

It does not seek trade surplus but to increase imports and achieve greater balance of international trade.

China will further lower the import tariffs and import more products.

TRADE
This November, China will hold the first International Import Expo in Shanghai, a major policy initiative and commitment to opening up the Chinese market.

Kenya, as a major exporter, has been invited and thus its coffee, tea, flowers and tourism will be showcased.

Also, the cooperation between China and Africa will be highlighted on the Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing in September.

Chinese and African leaders will review the cooperation since the Johannesburg Summit and set a new roadmap.

China will continue to uphold its mutually beneficial strategy, work closer with Kenyans and fully support the ‘Big Four’ agenda and Vision 2030.

We believe Kenya will make great progress in development and China and Kenya push their Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership forward.

Dr Xianfa is China’s Ambassador to Kenya. [email protected]