More foreign observers hail China's development

With the 19th CPC National Congress now at an end, more foreign observers are hailing China's development over the past 5 years, as well as the message conveyed by General Secretary Xi Jinping to the opening of the event.

Philippe Monnier, a senior Swiss economist, says the CPC's leadership has played a critical role in boosting China's economy.

Senior Swiss economist Philippe Monnier (L) takes a photo with a journalist from China Radio International (CRI) during an interview with CRI. [Photo: China Plus]

"The leadership of CPC safeguards the country's stability, making it the biggest factor contributing to China's economic achievements. A country's stability and its territorial integrity are vital to its economic development. This can not only be applied to China, but also other countries in the world. China has also made remarkable achievements in anti-corruption and poverty alleviation," says Monnier, who adds that there are two other key reasons for the strength of China's economy, namely high-tech Chinese companies going global, as well as the new technologies China is adopting.

In terms of Xi Jinping's report to the 19th CPC National Congress, Philippe Monnier says he was pleased to hear him talk about China's economic policies in the future.

"First of all, China will remain committed to its opening up policy, this is good news. Secondly, China's market will become more liberalized; this will not only be beneficial to foreign investment willing to invest in China, but also to China's own economic development. Thirdly, all businesses registered in China, regardless of domestic or foreign investors, will be treated equally and fairly, and foreign investors with high added value will also be increasingly attracted," says Monnier.

As part of Xi Jinping's report, the General Secretary of the Party says the 'Belt and Road' initiative will continue to be a priority, with further links to be established running eastward and westward, across land and over sea.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas says the initiative is beneficial to the global economy, as well as for people-to-people exchanges.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas speaks during an interview on October 23, 2017. [Photo: China Plus]

"International cooperation is at its essence. The Belt and Road Initiative takes its roots from the ancient Silk Road created some 2000 years ago, which went through the Middle East and made its way into Europe. The new initiative has allowed the ancient Silk Road regain its vigor," says Abbas.

Xi Jinping's report also suggests authorities plan to make China a country of innovators to help develop a modernized economy.

Carice Witte, executive director of the Sino-Israel Global Network and Academic Leadership Initiative, says she's impressed by the achievements made in China in promoting innovation-driven development and entrepreneurship.

Carice Witte, executive director of the Sino-Israel Global Network and Academic Leadership (SIGNAL), speaks during an interview with China Radio International. [Photo: China Plus]

"China declared that it will become the world's innovator and it's doing it. China says it and it does it, and this is quite amazing. The advancement that China has made in the area of innovation and the ability to innovate, and promoting innovation amongst the people in all areas is overwhelmingly impressive. And it's part of the overall Chinese culture of long-term vision, and hard work, and education, and following a wise leadership. And it was the leadership that set the path that it was the people that executed it. And you need that cooperation," says Witte.