Interview: China's well-designed Global Development Initiative offers mechanism for developing countries, says Dominican PM

MEXICO CITY, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- Dominican Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit said the China-proposed Global Development Initiative (GDI) offers support mechanism for developing countries and will bring great opportunities for the Dominican people.

In a joint interview with Chinese media in Dominica's capital Roseau, Skerrit said that the GDI, focusing on cooperation and partnerships, addresses such issues as extreme poverty, food security, access to vaccines, and climate change.

He spoke highly of the Chinese leadership's commitment to its own country and the rest of the world, and appreciated China's action of upholding multilateralism when the world economy is encountering stiff headwinds.

Skerrit regarded the Belt and Road Initiative as "one of the most remarkable initiatives," since China helped build the infrastructure to boost the economy, create jobs, boost resilience in terms of natural disasters, and address poverty in terms of climate change in Latin America and Africa.

Recalling his visits to China, Skerrit noted that the Chinese people are "forward-thinking, innovative and dedicated."

The Chinese government placed importance on empowering its people through knowledge, cultivating highly-skilled workforce, and actively serving the needs of its people to achieve development, he said, adding that along with scientific advance, the Chinese government attached importance to promoting rapid industrial and technological progress.

Speaking of Dominica-China relations, Skerrit said that the relationship is founded on friendship and mutual benefit. In the aftermath of the devastating tropical storm in 2015 and hurricane in 2017, China offered firm support for Dominican infrastructure reconstruction.

After the outbreak of COVID-19, China has provided Dominica with tremendous support in rehabilitating infrastructure, access to life-saving vaccines and health equipment as well as prevention experience, he said, referring to China as "a reliable companion."

The Dominican prime minister commended China for supporting small island developing states and speaking up for developing states.

Given China's influence in the international community, Skerrit voiced hope that the two countries will continue working with each other in multilateral frameworks to push for the growth of bilateral relations.