Chinese Premier Li Qiang has expressed a strong desire for China and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to deepen their bilateral cooperation, focusing on shared development goals and expanding collaborative efforts. The premier’s remarks came during his meeting with ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa in Kunming, Yunnan Province.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the eighth Greater Mekong Subregion Summit, held from November 6 to 7. Premier Li emphasized China’s readiness to strengthen financial cooperation with the ADB in areas such as environmental protection, green and low-carbon development, elderly care, and healthcare. He also highlighted the importance of deepening knowledge exchanges in emerging industries, fiscal and tax system reforms, and addressing an aging population.
“China is the largest developing country in the world, and the ADB is committed to common development in Asia and the Pacific region,” Li said. “We hope to share our experiences in poverty reduction, the digital economy, and green development with other developing countries through the ADB platform.”
Li reaffirmed China’s commitment to participating in and supporting the Greater Mekong Subregion economic cooperation, working alongside all parties to promote regional development and prosperity. He noted that China’s economy has remained stable and continues to progress, and the country is dedicated to advancing high-level opening-up policies.
ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa acknowledged the significance of China’s steady economic growth for the recovery of the Asia-Pacific region and the global economy. “The ADB is committed to developing a more robust, comprehensive cooperative relationship with China and will continue to support China’s high-quality development,” Asakawa said.
He expressed the ADB’s willingness to enhance cooperation with China in green and low-carbon development, climate change response, ecological diversity protection, energy transition, and innovation. Asakawa added that the ADB would facilitate practical outcomes of the Greater Mekong Subregion Economic Cooperation Program and join China in upholding free trade and opposing protectionism.
The discussions between Premier Li and President Asakawa underscore the mutual commitment to fostering sustainable development and addressing regional challenges through strengthened cooperation.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
