GLOBAL ENGINE AND VISION
As the world's second-largest economy with a comparatively fast rate of economic growth, China's experience and contribution are greatly valued by the outside world.
Under the Chinese presidency, the G20 leaders at the summit in China's eastern city of Hangzhou earlier this month aligned for their work programs with the sustainable development agenda.
"This was the first time that the sustainable development agenda was taken as an official action agenda of the G20 summit," UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon noted, adding that "I appreciate the Chinese leadership and vision."
"China is an eminent player in global development; in particular China is a leader in the implementation of the 2030 (sustainable development) agenda, emphasizing country-led strategies that are supported by multi stake-holder partnership," said Jim Yong Kim. Helen Clark, chief of the UN Development Program, noted that the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank initiated by China and the new development bank of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) will become very important partners for financing sustainable development.
"China's Belt and Road initiative has a vision for shared prosperity and economic cooperation among countries along the major economic corridors, which links china around the world," said Clark, referring to the initiative on the construction of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road which was brought up by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013. The Belt and Road initiative is aimed at building a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient Silk Road routes.
"We look forward to working with China to see that this important initiative also serves as a vehicle for driving agenda 2030," she added.
Moreover, China, as "a driving force for the global economic growth," has become an increasingly important export market for many countries as well as a key investor in many places of the world, said Chaudhry.
