People-first approach impresses Tanzanian ambassador

The ambassador of Tanzania to China has expressed his confidence in China's bright future and marveled at its many successes, on the sidelines of the ongoing two sessions in Beijing.

Mbelwa Kairuki, ambassador of Tanzania to China, was among the foreign envoys who were invited to observe on Sunday the opening meeting of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress, China's national legislature.

Kairuki said he was deeply impressed by what Premier Li Keqiang said in the Government Work Report delivered at the meeting — "great achievements can only come from hard work; a bright future can only be secured through solid efforts".

According to the ambassador, the past year was the most challenging year for the global economy. Despite the world's many challenges in 2022, the Chinese government recorded positive achievements, including GDP growth, new job creation with a total of 12.6 million urban jobs, and a surveyed unemployment rate falling to 5.5 percent.

"But more heartening was the host of measures the government took to support the people to overcome economic difficulties due to the global slowdown caused by COVID-19 and other external factors," he said.

Recalling the Government Work Report that he heard at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Kairuki said he could feel that the center of focus is the people.

"Everything that was done last year was about the people and for the people. From the effective response to COVID-19, maintaining economic stability and ensuring security in development, all measures were aimed at safeguarding people's interests and improving people's lives," he said.

The envoy also said that the GDP growth target of 5 percent set for 2023 brings optimism in terms of economic recovery, thus having a direct positive impact on global economic performance.

"We are looking forward to more cooperation between China and Tanzania in the areas of trade, investment and tourism, as part of the implementation of the consensus reached by Chinese President Xi Jinping and Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan," he said.

During Hassan's state visit to China in November last year, the first such visit by a head of state from Africa following the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, the two leaders elevated the China-Tanzania relationship to a comprehensive strategic cooperation partnership.