By Fortune Abang
Prof. Gu Jianxin, Director-General, Department of Foreign Affairs of China’s Zhejiang Provincial People’s Government has underscored the need for countries to deepening economic cooperation with one another, instead of competition, so as to advance collective global economic growth.
Gu stated this during a reception ceremony held for journalists from across the world in Hangzhou.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the journalists were in the province for a field visit.
This follows their participation in two sessions centered on China’s 15th Five-Year Plan with focus on the potential for cooperation in Artificial Intelligence, agribusiness, infrastructure and human exchanges.
According to Gu, Zhejiang Province, which is one of China’s smallest by land size, has about 105,000 square kilometres landmass, with a population of 67 million people, and ranks as one of the economic power houses of China.
Also Zhejiang is a province with large percentage of outbound investment, which ranks the second in the country, in terms of direct investment, with a total of more than 180 billion U.S dollars.
“There is the need for countries across the world to deepen global cooperation with one another, rather than competing, to advance their mutual economic growth.
“Our province, for instance, has a distinctive long history and culture that stands it out as one of the cradles of ancient civilisation, particularly the city, which also serves as the capital of the province.
“It is known as the land of fishing, rice farming, home to silk and a place with rich cultural relics that is top attraction to China, in terms of exports, which accounts for 15.5 per cent of total national export,” Gu said.
“Export of Zhejiang last year was 608 billion dollars; Our Ningbo Zhoushan Port is the largest sea port in China, and it is the largest in the world, in terms of overall cargo throughput.
“It is a province with strong regional innovation capacity, which ranks fourth in China in four-consecutive years. It is birthplace to many technologies, like Alibaba and other manufacturing sectors,” he added.
Gu disclosed that the province was characterised by a beautiful environment, with 70 per cent of the are covered by mountains, 10 per cent by waters, 20 per cent by land that could be used for farming, agricultural business development or tourist programme.
He described the province as President Xi Jinping’s concept of lucid waters and lush mountains, saying such remained invaluable assets for economic cooperation between China and other countries of the world.
He said that the economic success so far achieved in the province was based on President Xi’s Double-Eight Strategy to fully realise the bluesprint of a global economic development strategy.
“As this year marks the beginning of the 15th Five-Year Plan, we will deliver more economic investment dividends to our people and international partners.
“It is our desire to turn the plan into reality and to make the world understand how the different localities benefit under the blueprint.
“This is the year of the Horse in the Chinese culture, which signifies strength to move forward, grace to be steady in all things, and the spirit of joy in our journey,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the journalists, Tania Glouhtcheva, Head of the International Department, DUMA newspaper, expressed appreciation to the Chinese government for hosting them.
According to her, the experience gained, among other things, was centered on ways China advanced its economic growth.
Glouhtcheva said, “The truth is that no matter how many times one comes to China, there is always something new to learn from the country.
“We, indeed, appreciate the platform Zhejiang Province has provided for us to learn from China’s hardworking path to modernisation and to achieving its Five-Year Plan.” (NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Mark Longyen
