Share responsibility for a better world

On January 17, 2017 Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a keynote speech under the title of “Jointly Shoulder Responsibility of Our Times, Promote Global Growth”.

That was at the opening plenary of the 2017 annual meeting of the World Economic Forum, which marked the first appearance of any Chinese Head of State in the Swiss town of Davos.

President Xi’s speech, demonstrated Chinese wisdom and, confidence whilst charting recovery plans in face of sluggish global economy and anti-globalization sentiments. His address elicited worldwide applause.

President Xi, observed that “honey melons hang on bitter vines; sweet dates grow on thistles and thorns”.

Economic globalisation has not only powered global growth, but has also become a double-edged sword.

When facing opportunities and challenges of economic globalization, the right thing to do is to seize every opportunity, jointly meet challenges that there may be and then chart the right cause of profitable economic globalization.

However, pursuing protectionism is like locking oneself in a dark room. While protectionism would keep wind and rain outside, that dark room will no doubt block light and air. In such a situation, no one will emerge as a winner in any trade war.

It is certain that many of the problems troubling the world are not caused by economic globalization.

President Xi noted three critical issues in the economic sphere that have not been effectively addressed; lack of robust driving forces for global growth, inadequate global economic governance and uneven global development.

He therefore urged the world to develop a dynamic, innovation-driven growth model, pursue a well-coordinated and inter-connected approach towards evolving a model of open and win-win cooperation.

He further urged his peers to develop a model anchored on fair and equitable governance in keeping with the trends of the time while at the same time forging a balanced, equitable and inclusive development approach.

“As long as we keep to the goal of building a community of shared future for mankind and work hand in hand to fulfil our responsibilities as we work towards overcoming our common difficulties, we will be able to create a better world and deliver better lives for our peoples,” President Xi advised.

As world’s second largest economy and the largest developing country, China adopted a commensurate development path that suits her actual circumstances all geared towards a brighter future for all.

The years that followed the outbreak of the international financial crisis, found China contributing over 30 percent of global growth per annum on average.

China will open her arms to the people of other countries and welcome them aboard the express train of its development. In this regard, President Xi’s speech provided a comprehensive view of Chinese model and philosophy of development besides boosting global confidence on Chinese path of progress.

Joint shouldering of responsibility and promotion of growth is in line with the cooperation trends and the direction between China and other developing countries, especially African nations.

The growth of the African economy in general is dependent on the growth of the rest of the world, and with good economic performance in Africa, this world is assured of becoming a better place.

China-Africa cooperation further promotes the growth of the continent into one of the fastest growing economic regions in the world.

It is important to note that the 10 major China-Africa cooperation plans listed by FOCAC in 2015 included change from over-reliance on resources trade pattern into one that is more investment and industrial cooperation oriented.

This approach is intended to help Africa speed up her industrialization process and to effectively cope with the current international economic situation in view of the change taking place on the global economic front that pose new challenges to Africa at every turn.

Kenya has been listed as a pilot and demonstration country of China-Africa cooperation in production capacity and the historic and natural extension of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. Based on the vital support of the leaders of the two countries alongside people from all walks of life, the level of China-Kenya bilateral relations became unprecedented.

China-Kenya win-win cooperation in the context of mutual benefits for our two nations has become an example of south-south collaboration and emblem of China-Africa cooperation.

Our two nations will continue to lift up the flag of globalisation high while making solid steps towards the implementation of the outcomes of the FOCAC Johannesburg Summit, deepening the cooperation on the five key areas, especially work hand in hand on the major landmark projects like Standard Gauge Railway, while enhancing mutual communication, mutual benefits for common development.

On January 28, the Chinese Lunar New Year—also known as the Year of the Rooster—commence.

In traditional Chinese culture, the rooster is a homophone for good luck, meaning we expect an auspicious year ahead.

It is the year that vigour, as displayed by the rooster, heralds a bright light that should illuminate our resolve to make the most of China-Kenya cooperation.

I hereby now wish all brothers and sisters in Kenya a happy 2017!