Government Work Report: Diplomats' views

Masood Khalid, ambassador of Pakistan

The Government Work Report presented by Premier Li Keqiang contains a comprehensive review of the progress made in 2018 and the targets achieved. It also mentions the challenges and impediments faced in the process. It is significant that despite headwinds in global economy, Chinese economy registered a growth rate of 6.6 percent. More than 13.6 million new urban jobs were generated. Unemployment was around 5%. China continued to make strides in the fields of innovation and high-tech. Concerted efforts were also made to deal with the problem of environment pollution while infrastructure development was also on course.

For me the most impressive part is the government’s resolve to tackle the issue of poverty and create a knowledge-based economy. Projections for 2019 of 6-6.5% GDP growth, creation of 11 million new jobs, an employment-first policy, supply-side structural reform and three critical battles against potential risks, poverty and pollution are reflective of key priority areas. Budgetary spending on education above 4% of GDP and over 2% on R&D shows that China is moving forward to establish a society which meets the needs of the people through scientific applications and modern technologies.

I am also glad to note the reaffirmation to Belt and Road Initiative and China’s readiness to share the development dividends with developing countries. Pakistan is a partner with China in this initiative and its flagship project of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is a key priority and a shared objective for common development and mutual prosperity.

I have no doubt that as in the past resilient Chinese people will achieve national targets set forth by the Communist Party of China under the leadership of President Xi Jinping to create a moderately prosperous society by 2020.