00:53
Video script:
It’s hard to describe the fundamental changes and development [that] China has been making since 1978 with the openness and reform of Chinese society and economic policies.
In 1978, according to statistics, China’s growth GDP shared in the global economy was merely 2 percent, now it is taking 20 percent in global economic growth. This is phenomenal. It is an unbelievably very strong stride during the last 40 years.
It was possible only with reform and the future oriented way of Chinese leadership in that regard, you deserve, the Chinese people and government deserve such praise.
At the same time, this global growth by the Chinese is also compared with the global community.
The Chinesee people and the government global responsibility there is much much expectation with China with this greater economic capacity should do.
If I may, one of the most fundamental encouraging developments and achievements of China from this open policy.
First of all, you have made the most of your people have lifted out of poverty.
At least 800 million since 1978 have been lifted out of poverty [in China].
This really helped the United Nation’s millennium development (MD) goal, number one target goal to cutting half the number of people who live in poverty achieved five years before the target.
The World Bank proudly announced in 2010, the MD goal 1 was achieved.
During 2000 to 2010, China lifted more than 400 million people [out of poverty].
In terms of statistics it is because of China that the UN was able to declare that the goal number one was achieved, this is very much important.
Last year, when I met President Xi Jinping in November, he again proudly said that he would make sure that by 2020, there is no single Chinese person who will be living under the poverty line. That’s very important achievement not only for Chinese people but for the world.
You have given a strong sense of promise as possibility that if a government has open and reform policies, then any government can make it happen.
This is one thing.
Now with China expanding its role in the international community in political and security areas, China has now become the number two budget contributor to the United Nations, with many peace keeping forces, peacekeepers now are walking all over the world
As a Secretary-General, I have been meeting and encouraging Chinese staff as well as Chinese peacekeepers for their contribution.
Thank you.
(Video source: Chen Shangwen, edited by Qiao Wai and Zhao Dantong; Dong Feng also contributed to the video script)
