Lecturers envision new steps by BRICS

As guest speakers, Zhao Zhongxiu, vice-president of China Council for BRICS Think Tank Cooperation and also vice-president of the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing; Martyn Davies, managing director of emerging markets and Africa at Deloitte; and Andrew Moody, senior correspondent of China Daily’s overseas editions, shared their thoughts about BRICS and Globalization with about 300 attendees, as well as online viewers.

Zhao said in his speech that Xi’s proposal of jointly building a community with a shared future for mankind provides a global vision of building a world of lasting peace, universal security, common prosperity, openness and inclusiveness — as well as a clean and beautiful environment.

“China has actively pushed for the reform and development of a global governance system in a direction that is more conducive to developing countries,” Zhao said.

“In the meantime, China firmly opposes trade protectionism and consistently upholds multilateralism, promotes the Belt and Road Initiative, enhances partnerships among BRICS members and works to deepen China-Africa cooperation.”

He said that collaboration among BRICS countries is comprehensive and multifaceted, constituting an important approach of jointly building a community with a shared future. He said the second “golden decade” of BRICS cooperation is expected to be even more vibrant.

Zhao also shared his own story of taking a train to Beijing while a boy from the countryside to attend a university decades ago. The trip took about 20 hours. But now, high-speed trains can link his hometown and Beijing much quicker than before.

Citing the example of China’s railway project in Kenya, Zhao said, “African countries have been benefiting from China’s high-tech progress.”

He said China is willing to contribute more to African countries in boosting infrastructure and building common prosperity.

Zhao cited an African saying to make his point: “If you want to go fast, walk alone; if you want to go far, walk together.”

“In face of unilateralism and protectionism,” he said, “the BRICS countries need to walk together to deal with the challenges.”