Daily Times

Apart from the other important steps during the reform periods, one of the innovative ways were establishment of the Special Economic Zones in different parts of the country keeping in view the strengths of the region in terms of agriculture or industrial outputs. These zones were the economic laboratories where a controlled environment was provided to conduct the economic progressive experiments might be conducted without fear of losing. As a result of these experiments and bold decision making, the SEZs across China became the drivers of the economic growth creating unprecedented development. Small towns, with bare minimum contributions towards growth potential of the country, became leading global contributors. This pragmatic solution worked. The entire development, reform and opening period was designed keeping in view the indigenous requirements and models intact rather than borrowing foreign design without keeping in view the country’s own requirements. One of the most important events of the new millennium was the China entry into the Word Trade Organisation which has been considered as most transformative events as those of the 9/11 incidents in 2001. This has entry of China in WTO had far reaching implications for the world financial, political and economic ecosystem The leadership from Deng Zioping till president Xi Jinping has stood with one value i.e. to take the country to the new heights of glory with its unique socialism with Chinese Characteristics.

The glorious path multiplied with the new era under President Xi Jinping’s leadership at the beginning of the 2012.In 2013, President Xi Jinping announced in Kazakhstan about the One Belt and One Road later renamed Belt and Road Initiative- a dream to connect the world through road and construction of largest communication networks with projects. BRI has now turned itself into China’s global strategy and influence through economic and soft diplomacy with having far reaching implications on international relations. President Xi made “dare to dream, work assiduously to fulfil the dreams and contribute to the revitalization of the nation” is the new Chinese motto. The idea for this is to call the nation to work passionately towards the development of not only his country but also global stability and development.

The higher than Himalaya and sweeter than honey relationship has took a beautiful and outstanding turn when China Pakistan Economic Corridor was announced as important benchmark of the larger Belt and Road Initiative. Currently CPEC has entered its next phase of industrial development and establishment of Special Economic Zones is on the way to completion

This year as well Pakistan and China are also celebrating the year of Friendship year and Sister Cities. The higher than Himalaya and sweeter than honey relationship has took a beautiful and outstanding turn when China Pakistan Economic Corridor was announced as important benchmark of the larger Belt and Road Initiative. Currently CPEC has entered its next phase of industrial development and establishment of Special Economic Zones is on the way to completion.

World is still ignorant about China’s peaceful development ambitions in the region and beyond. Haters and nay sayers will continue to do so but as they say ” height by great men reached and kept, is not attained by sudden flight, for they while their companion slept, were toiling upward in the night”, China will continue to rise and is rising peacefully. China has a surprising and outstanding trends and position at the eve of the 70th anniversary at the global stage by achieving the number 1 status in various categories, according to reliable and authentic global data, for instance China is first in GDP growth, contribution towards global GDP growth, steel, cement, aluminium production, exports, manufacturing in value added goods, conventional cars, hi-tech industry, agriculture products, foreign exchange reserves, as a trade partner, holder of US debt, middle class population in the country, poverty alleviation, online commerce and retail, international tourism spending, e-commerce, smartphones manufacturing and consumption, number of billionaires, internet users and many other important landmark global economic, social and stability trends. At 70, with such amazing numbers and world standing, China has made example to the world and other developing countries like Pakistan that with the hard work, dedication, honesty and exemplary leadership, destiny of prosperity and development is possible to achieve.

The writer is Director, Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies.