Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), on Monday in Beijing, emphasizing the need for closer cooperation to bolster global economic recovery.
Premier Li highlighted China’s commitment to achieving around 5 percent GDP growth in 2023, describing it as positive news for the global economy. “Since the beginning of this year, China’s economy has been steadily recovering and showing signs of improvement,” he stated. “We have laid a strong foundation for meeting our economic and social development goals.”
Li underscored China’s long-term economic advantages, citing robust institutions, a vast market, diversified industries, abundant human resources, and a strong focus on innovation. “The fundamentals for sustained and sound development of the Chinese economy have not changed and will not change,” he affirmed. “We are confident in our ability to maintain this momentum and will continue to pursue high-level opening up to promote mutual benefit and win-win outcomes with all parties.”
Expressing appreciation for the longstanding cooperative relationship with the IMF, Li noted, “China supports the IMF in continuing to play an important role in global governance. We are ready to deepen cooperation, improve the global debt governance system, and contribute to the recovery of the world economy.”
He called on the IMF to “continue to play a positive role in upholding economic globalization and free trade, keeping global industrial and supply chains stable and unimpeded, and fostering an open world economy.”
Kristalina Georgieva praised China’s economic performance, stating, “In the past year, China’s economic growth has exceeded expectations and maintained a good momentum in fields like the green economy, digital economy, and artificial intelligence.”
Georgieva emphasized the IMF’s stance against politicizing economic issues and expressed a willingness to enhance cooperation. “We are committed to supporting China’s economic transformation, upgrading, reform, and opening up,” she said. “We aim to enhance China’s representation and voice within the IMF.”
The meeting between Li and Georgieva signals a mutual commitment to strengthening collaboration amid global economic challenges. Both leaders expressed optimism, highlighting the importance of partnership in driving sustainable growth and stability worldwide.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
