The world economy is facing another historical prospect as Chinese President Xi Jinping just wrapped up his state visits to Argentina and Panama and exchanged in-depth views with other state leaders of Group of 20 (G20) on building consensus for fair and sustainable development during the 13th G20 summit.
Urging to Steer World Economy Responsibly
President Xi delivered a keynote speech themed with "Look Beyond the Horizon and Steer the World Economy in the Right Direction", urging the G20 to stick to openness, partnership, innovation and inclusiveness. The ever growing and expanding industrial chain, value chain and supply chain have boosted the flow of production factors across the world and led several billion people out of poverty and toward prosperity. Greater coordination and complementarity among countries meet the need of productivity growth. In this process, countries are increasingly becoming a community with shared interests, shared responsibilities and a shared future and win-win cooperation is the only choice going forward. President Xi called on G20 members to stay committed to openness and cooperation and uphold the multilateral trading system, to forge strong partnership and step up macro-policy coordination, to stay committed to innovation and create new momentum for growth, and to stay committed to win-win cooperation to promote inclusive global development. Over the past decade, we have braved difficulties together. Ten years later, working with the same courage and strategic vision will ensure that the global economy grows on the right track.
After the conclusion of the G20 summit, President Xi and President Donald Trump had proactive and fruitful discussions on trade and economy. They reached consensus not to impose new additional tariffs and agreed to step up negotiations toward the removal of all additional tariffs and reach a concrete agreement that would achieve win-win results. The exchanges in trade and economy between China and the United States, the world's two largest economies, have been very close and interdependent. It is very normal that the two countries disagree on economy and trade. The key is that the two countries manage their differences properly and work out a solution acceptable to both in the spirit of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit. China and the US shoulder important responsibilities in promoting world peace and prosperity. Sound China-US relations are in line with the fundamental interests of the two peoples and will deliver more and better benefits to the two nations and people around the world. The Chinese side will work to open its market, expand imports and resolve economy- and trade-related issues in China-US relations in the process of a new round of reform and opening-up and in line with the needs of its domestic market and people.
40 Years of Reform and Opening-up and 5 Years of Belt and Road Initiative
This year marks the 40th anniversary of China's reform and opening-up. During the past 40 years, the Chinese people have forged ahead with perseverance and made historic achievements in development. In the years since the global financial crisis, China has contributed over 30 percent of global growth. China has become a key anchor and driver for the world economy and a positive force in advancing the noble cause of global peace and development. China owes its progress to reform and opening-up, and will continue to advance on this path.
Five years ago, President Xi announced the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which aims to enhance connectivity among countries and regions, promote interconnected development, and create new space for global growth. This initiative has won wide international endorsement in the past five years. China has signed BRI cooperation documents with over 140 countries and international organizations, and a large number of cooperation projects have been launched under this Initiative. The BRI is an open platform for cooperation. It is not designed to serve any hidden geopolitical agenda. It is not targeted against anyone and it does not exclude anyone. It is not an exclusive club that is closed to non-members, nor is it a "trap" as some people have labeled it. Rather, the BRI is a major and transparent initiative with which China shares opportunities and pursues common development with the rest of the world. China will host the second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in April next year. China will work with all countries involved under the principle of consultation and collaboration for shared benefits to advance the BRI so that it will deliver win-win outcomes.
Deepening Partnership in a New Era
President Xi's visit to the region opens up a new era for partnership. As an ancient Chinese poem reads, "If you have a friend afar who knows your heart, distance cannot keep you two apart." Despite the geographical distance between us, the peace-loving people of China and countries in the region have rendered each other mutual understanding and support. Being developing countries, we have similar historical experiences and face common development tasks. Guided by 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, we need to work together to promote a new type of international relations featuring mutual respect, fairness, justice and win-win cooperation and build a community with a shared future for mankind. Let us strengthen strategic communication to be sincere partners based on equality and mutual trust, deepen practical cooperation for mutual benefit, expand people-to-people exchanges for mutual learning, and enhance coordination and collaboration for mutual support.
The all-round, fast growth of China-Jamaica relations is an epitome of the vibrant relations between China and countries in the region, both facing unprecedented opportunities and challenges. It is therefore important for us to deepen cooperation and make progress with concerted efforts. This is why President Xi has called for forging a community with a shared future and formulating a new blueprint for Belt and Road cooperation. China is ready to work with Jamaica and other regional countries to promote connectivity in the five priority areas as policy, infrastructure, trade, finance and people-to-people ties to bring more early harvests and tangible benefits for our peoples, and foster new growth areas in our relations such as infrastructure, logistics, production capacity, and finance. China will continue to deepen market-oriented reform, strengthen Intellectual Property Rights protection, encourage fair competition and expand imports. The China International Import Expo (CIIE) will be held annually as a way to further open China's market. China welcomes continued participation of Jamaica and other countries in the region in CIIE and hopes to see more exports of quality Brand Jamaica goods and services to China.
Reviewing the past enables us to learn about the law governing the evolution of history. Let us seize historical opportunities, move forward with the times, and join hands to open up a new era for China-Jamaica partnership. Together, we can contribute to our common determined efforts to build a community with a shared future and usher in an even better tomorrow for our peoples!