Envoys weigh in on premier's report

(China Daily)
Updated: 2007-03-06 07:03

Mahmoud Allam, ambassador of Egypt:

This is the second year I have attended the NPC meeting, and I have seen the progress China is making in all fields. I have seen how the government has analyzed the economic and social situation, looking into areas of strength as well as areas that need more work, for instance, developing the western regions or caring for the environment.

But generally speaking, it shows how the party and the government work together to take China to its rightful place in this world.

I think the issue of the environment is one of the main concerns. Again, maintaining a balance in developing the eastern and western regions is important. It is clear that a lot has been achieved and more will be done in the future.

Iacob Timchiuk, ambassador of the Republic of Moldova:

The report made a strong impression on me. I was impressed by the improvement of China's economy last year. Wen's report raised a lot of problems and issues that they have to discuss and solve in the future. I was impressed by the plans for the year 2007. We wish the people of China and the government a great success in the future.

Marjan Cencen, ambassador of Republic of Slovenia:

The report was very open about the challenges that lie ahead for the government. It was very frank in covering what was achieved in the past year as well as what should be achieved in the present year. I believe the important thing is that the government realizes that besides good economic results, it is also important to take care of the environment and energy saving, and to think about ways to balance development between the western and eastern provinces, as well as the urban people.

What I see as important is the government is trying to find the proper approach to solving the problems ahead. It's difficult to say any government in the world achieves its initial goals, but I think the Chinese Government is a good way toward achieving its goals. This is encouraging.

Senkoun Sylla, premier councillor of Guinea:

I think it was a very important report by the Chinese government. It shows us what has been achieved by the government and also the prospects for the coming years. That's very important because it shows us how China is developing the country, including ethnic groups. That is very important for the economy, stability and the social life of the people.

Mohammad Ismail, ambassador of Iraq:

There are many interesting points in the report, especially those that touch on how to build a harmonious society and how to narrow the gap between the rich and the poor and the town and countryside. The report also said there would be more financial input for the education sector, which is important for a harmonious society, too.

Bernard Pierre, ambassador of Belgium:

It was a very thorough report on what has happened in the past year and the tasks for the future. But I would say there were few surprises in it. It contained a lot of things that had already been said, such as the problems in China.

China's economy has been developing rapidly for more than 15 years, and I think now it's time for China to focus on some social issues. It might be the only direction as well.

(China Daily 03/06/2007 page5)