Speech by H.E. Ambassador Lin Lin
at the Reception for the 63rd Anniversary
of the Founding of the People's Republic of China
(27 September, 2012)
Hon Mr. Mushayavanhu, Director of Africa, Asia and Pacific Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
Members of diplomatic corps,
Distinguished guests and dear friends,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Good afternoon! Thank you very much for joining us in the Chinese Embassy to celebrate the 63rd Anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.
In the past 63 years and especially since the adoption of the reform and opening up policy in 1978, China has made unprecedented social transformation and monumental achievements in national construction. From 2002 to 2011, China’s GDP grew at an average annual rate of 10.7%, and moved from the sixth to the second place in the world. Our per capita GDP rose from 1,000-plus USD to 5,432 USD. China’s foreign trade volume also climbed from the sixth to the second place in the world, and foreign exchange reserves exceeded three trillion USD. China’s industrial structure was upgraded, its agricultural foundation was consolidated, and regional development became much more balanced. All-round progress was made in social programs and people’s livelihood significantly improved. We have withstood the test of many disasters, difficulties and risks. In the recent five years, we effectively tackled the huge impact of the international financial crisis and sustained steady and fast economic growth.
Despite all these achievements, we’re clear-headed that China is still a developing country with a large population yet a weak economic base. It has to feed close to 20% of the world’s population with only 9% of the world’s arable land and 6.5% of the world’s fresh water. Unbalanced development still exists between the urban and rural areas and among different regions. And there are 128 million Chinese people still living under poverty line. We still have a long way to go.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Let me now turn to bilateral relations. China and Zimbabwe enjoy a profound traditional friendship. Since my arrival in Harare two months ago, I can feel the warmth of China-Zimbabwe relations, and the fraternal sentiments Zimbabwean people have for Chinese people. I am happy to see that the year of 2012 witnessed a rapid development of the mutually-beneficial economic cooperation between China and Zimbabwe. The bilateral trade volume was 533 million USD in the first five months of 2012, an increase of 20% from the same period last year, and is expected to reach 1 billion USD by the end of 2012. More and more Chinese companies are involved in Zimbabwe’s economic development.
We have also seen prosperity in people-to-people exchanges. Just two weeks ago, Chinese Acrobatic and Juniors’ Performing Art Troupe paid a successful visit to Zimbabwe. Last June, the chorus from the Confucius Institute of University of Zimbabwe visited China and impressed the Chinese audience with their beautiful Chinese folk songs. Regarding the cooperation in areas of education and human resources development, the Chinese government provided 55 scholarships to Zimbabwean students, and more than 200 Zimbabweans were trained in China so far this year.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The fast development of China-Zimbabwe relations brought tangible benefits to our two peoples. On this happy occasion, please allow me to sincerely thank all of you present here for your contribution. I have every reason to believe that, with the joint efforts of both sides, we will embrace a brighter and more splendid tomorrow of China-Zimbabwe relations of friendly cooperation.
To conclude, may I propose a toast:
- To the ever-lasting China-Zimbabwe friendship
- To the prosperity of both China and Zimbabwe
-And to the good health of all our friends present here
Cheers!
Thank you. Tatenda.