29 Sep 2018

China has, over the last four decades, evolved from the least developed country to one of the world’s top economies. , says the country’s ambassador to Botswana, Dr Zhao Yanbo. 

Speaking during the celebration of China’s 69th independence in Gaborone recently, Dr Zhao said their country had grown into the world’s second largest economy, the largest industrial producer, the largest trader of goods and the holder of the largest foreign exchange reserves.

Dr Zhao noted that China’s GDP had averaged an annual growth rate of around 9.5 per cent while its foreign trade had registered an annual growth of 14.5 per cent in US dollars. 

Within the same period, he said, the living standards of the Chinese improved with about 700 million lifted out of poverty, accounting for over 70 per cent of the global total in the same period.

He said growth of urban and rural personal incomes had outpaced economic growth while the middle-income group had been expanding. 

About relations with Africa, Dr Zhao said China followed a “five-no” approach: no interference in African countries’ pursuit of development paths fitting their national conditions; no interference in African countries’ internal affairs; no imposition of its will on African countries; no attachment of political strings to assistance to Africa; and no seeking of selfish political gains investment and financing cooperation with Africa. 

The Chinese envoy said China focused on six major areas of cooperation with Africa including increasing political dialogue at various levels, aligning the Belt and Road Initiative with AU Agenda 2063, UN’s 2030 Agenda and the development programmes of African countries.

He said the country ensured their cooperation was more people oriented, strengthening the people-to-people bond, promoting peace and stability in Africa and working with Africa to pursue sustainable development. 

About Botswana-China relations, Dr Zhao said the two countries had enjoyed time-tested friendship and firm mutual support since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1975. 

He said President Mokgweetsi Masisi’s recent state visit to China and his attendance of the 2018 FOCAC Summit ushered in a new era for the Botswana-China relationship. 

The event was graced by cabinet ministers, high ranking government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, the Chinese community in Botswana and other dignitaries. ENDS