By Zhao Wei
When I first came to Bokeo Province for the establishment of the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (GT SEZ) together with the Lao government, I had very little idea of what to do.
So what made me feel confident in the program?
I think there were two main reasons for my confidence. First, China and Laos have cultivated a profound friendship. Second, the achievements of China's development have become increasingly recognized by neighboring countries. I remember that when we were received by then-Lao President Choummaly Sayasone, the president held my hand warmly and told me: "Chinese people are our most trusted friends." His plain words were truly inspiring to me. We overcame all kinds of obstacles and blazed a trail in building the GT SEZ, but without the friendship that exists between China and Laos, we would be unable to achieve so much today.
In the early days of building the GT SEZ, the biggest problem we encountered was the difference between China and Laos in terms of policies and channels. We had to make great efforts to overcome barriers in policies and implementation. We also had to deal with government officials of Laos to resolve urgent issues. As long as they knew we came from China, they would not hesitate to help us. Their help not only brought greater convenience, but was also truly practical in all aspects of our work. In the end, we all became friends. The reason behind such practical cooperation is that profound traditional friendship between China and Laos is now deepening.
In recent years, China-Laos cooperation has entered a golden era — that's how I feel about the current situation. China's anti-corruption campaign has made government workflow clear, simple and fair. The Belt and Road Initiative has encouraged more and more Chinese enterprises to invest in Laos. China and Laos are good neighbors, good partners, good friends and good comrades, which has laid a more solid foundation for Sino-Lao cooperation. Kunming’s construction of the Hub of South and Southeast Asia has pushed bilateral cooperation to a new stage.
In the past five years, the CPC has put forward a series of strategic initiatives and major policies in keeping with China’s development needs and the wishes of the people to promote overall progress in political, economic, cultural, social and ecological fields. Also, conforming to current global development trends, the CPC has proposed the Belt and Road Initiative based on the spirit of peace and cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, mutual learning and mutual benefit. The grand plan has not only injected new impetus into the world, but also brought developing countries like Laos opportunities for prosperity and development.
Therefore, I wish great success for the 19th CPC National Congress. It will be an inspirational and pioneering event that leads the Chinese people towards the realization of the Chinese Dream. China’s development plan, featuring innovation, coordination, green development, openness and sharing, will bring great benefit to the world.
Zhao Wei, Chairman of the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone Management Committee