China's development model exemplary for developing countries, say experts

ISLAMABAD, July 15 (Xinhua) -- As one of the major countries to witness strong growth in recent history, China's development model has been exemplary for the world, especially for developing countries including Pakistan, said Pakistani experts.

There are valuable lessons for the countries to learn from China's modernization and rapid economic development that also brought new opportunities for the world, the experts and officials said at the launching ceremony of the Understanding China Fellowship Program on Friday.

The program, launched by the Asian Institute of Eco-civilization Research and Development (AIERD), an Islamabad-based think tank, in collaboration with Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University in Rawalpindi, is aimed at equipping students with the knowledge and information about Chinese success in different fields.

Shakeel Ahmad Ramay, a political economist and CEO of AIERD, said China has developed its economy, agriculture, technology, industry, trade and infrastructure based on the people-centered development philosophy and commitment to promote high-quality development.

To make the relationship between China and Pakistan fruitful and sustainable, it is necessary to instill the spirit of brotherhood and friendship in the next generation, he said, adding that "They (youth) should know about the Chinese success stories and how Pakistan can benefit out of it."

Convener of National Parliamentary Task Force on Sustainable Development Goals Romina Khurshid Alam said Pakistan is committed to achieving sustainable development goals and the South Asian country would learn from China to address multiple challenges, especially poverty alleviation, economic development and climate change events.

The government is playing its role to cement Pakistan-China ties and the current parliament is also focusing on how to gear up industrial development in the country which is linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative, Alam said.

The official said both countries adhered to the concept of building a China-Pakistan community with a shared future.

The Chinese model of growth and development has been inspirational and exemplary, said Muhammad Azam Khan, a senior professor at Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University in Rawalpindi.

The new generation of Pakistan needs to understand China through various academic programs being offered, he said, adding that by doing so, they can suggest a way forward to the policy-makers on how to achieve the path of development and sustainability in the crucial times.