China in Foreigners' Eyes

Egyptian official: China's achievements hailed by the world

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-12-05 23:23

CAIRO -- The achievements China has made in the past three decades since the beginning of its reform and opening-up policy were highly praised by all people in the world, Chairman of the Egyptian-Chinese Friendship Association Youssef Wali has said.

In an interview with Xinhua, Wali elaborated his perspective on the reform and opening-up policy China adopted 30 years ago, as well as the host of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.

Wali, who has been the chairman of the Egyptian-Chinese Friendship Association for some 38 years to boost the friendly ties between the two countries, witnessed the progress and development China experienced in the past 30 years.

Established in 1958, the Egyptian-Chinese Friendship Association held a ceremony for its 50th anniversary this May.

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Wali said he is deeply impressed by the comprehensive development of China since it adopted the policy of reform and opening-up in late 1970s.

During the process of the reform and opening-up, China has paid much attention to the development of different areas and taken a series of measures to boost the prosperity of western China, Wali said, adding that the Chinese government was trying to guarantee a balanced development for different areas and sectors.

Wali said China has witnessed rapid progress in various fields including industry, agriculture and foreign trade and investment.

"Most of the people in the world were surprised by the achievements China has made," Wali said, adding that they also spoke highly of the Chinese progress.

The Egyptian official said the development of China is in favor of developing countries.

Although the international arena underwent great changes, China still paid much attention to the benefits of developing countries, said Wali.

The rights of developing countries could be better served thanks to China's development and its growing influence on international trade, said Wali, noting that progress of China is helpful to maintain a balanced and just international economic mechanism.

On the relations between China and the Arab world, Wali said the Egyptian-Chinese ties boast a sound foundation due to each other's regional importance.

The bilateral ties also foresee a better future based on traditional friendship of the two sides, said Wali.

According to statistics, the volume of bilateral trade between China and Egypt has reached some US$5.3 billion as of October, a 44-percent-increase compared with the same period of last year.

By the end of this July, some 570 Chinese companies have invested in the Northeastern African country.

In addition, more and more Egyptian students begin to study Chinese language as the bilateral ties ushered into a new phase. Up to now, there are some five Egyptian universities that have established Chinese language departments.

The progress and development of China are of great significance to Egypt due to the close relations of the two countries, said Wali, noting that the two sides should enhance further cooperation in the sectors of culture, tourism, sports as well as economic exchanges.