Dr. Yok Yee Chan, consul general of the Republic of Fiji in Shanghai. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

Dr. Yok Yee Chan, consul general of the Republic of Fiji in Shanghai, has expressed her expectation that the ongoing 'two sessions' will reaffirm China's commitment to its opening-up policy and lead the world to economic recovery.

During a recent interview with China.org.cn, Dr. Chan recognized China's status as a major driving force for global growth, especially since its optimization of COVID-19 measures last year.

"China has been a firm advocate of an open economy and welcomes the world, including Fiji, an island economy, to cooperate and share the common prosperity of China's economic growth," Dr. Chan said.

Over the years, China has pursued a more proactive strategy of opening up by building a globally-oriented network of high-standard free trade areas, accelerating the development of pilot free trade zones, and implementing the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) collectively with the international community.

Dr. Chan has highlighted the positive impact of infrastructure construction projects that China and Fiji have collaborated on under the BRI in the transportation, healthcare and water conservation sectors. These projects have brought tangible benefits to the daily lives of local Fijians, according to Dr. Chan.

She anticipates increased cooperation between China and Fiji in fisheries and renewable energy development. "China is a global leader in renewable and green energy technology and a major supplier of clean energy products," Dr. Chan commented. "We look forward to seeing the two countries working together to assist the Pacific in general, and Fiji in particular, towards our collective goal of a 'blue and green Pacific.'"

China has become a major trading partner for more than 140 countries and regions, taking the lead globally in total trade volume in goods. The country has also become a major global investment destination and a leading outbound investment player.

According to China's customs authorities, bilateral trade in goods between China and Fiji in 2022 amounted to $546.26 million, representing a 21% year-on-year increase. "It is inspiring to see that bilateral trade between Fiji and China has continued to grow against the challenging economic background in recent years," Dr. Chan added.

As China enters the first year of implementing the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress, Dr. Chan shared her understanding of the "Chinese path to modernization." She believes that the Chinese government leverages local industrial and natural advantages to boost the local economy and offers a valuable experience for the rest of the world. 

"It always surprises me to see how fast China has been moving forward with urbanization and modernization not only in cities but also in rural areas," she said.

Dr. Chan also reviewed China's achievements in lifting more than 770 million people out of poverty in the past 40 years. "The Chinese government adheres to the 'targeted poverty alleviation' strategy, focusing on leveraging each area's unique characteristic industries and resources, together with the help and support from developed provinces," she noted.

Furthermore, she commended China's successful path to poverty alleviation and believes other countries can learn from China's experience.