Gu Jianxin, director-general of the Department of Foreign Affairs of China’s Zhejiang Provincial People’s Government has underscored the need for countries to deepening economic cooperation with one another, instead of competition, so as to advance collective global economic growth.

Mr Gu stated this during a reception ceremony held for journalists from across the world in Hangzhou. The journalists were in the province for a field visit.

This follows their participation in two sessions centred on China’s 15th Five-Year Plan with focus on the potential for cooperation in Artificial Intelligence, agribusiness, infrastructure and human exchanges.

According to Mr Gu, Zhejiang Province, which is one of China’s smallest by land size, has about 105,000 square kilometres landmass, with a population of 67 million people, and ranks as one of the economic power houses of China.

Mr Gu said, “Last year, our export stood at $60.8 million. We are the largest in the world, in terms of overall cargo flow and foreign direct investment across China with a total of $80 billion.

“It is a province with strong regional economic vitality that ranks top in four consecutive years in China, as well as the fourth innovative province. It is birthplace to many technologies, like Alibaba and other manufacturing sectors.”

Mr Gu disclosed that the province was characterised by a beautiful environment, with 105 kilometres of its area covered by mountains, 10 kilometres by water and 20 per cent by land that could be used for farming, agricultural business development or tourist programme.

He described the province as President Xi Jinping’s concept of lucid waters and lush mountains, saying such remained invaluable assets for economic cooperation between China and other countries of the world.

He said that the economic success so far achieved in the province was based on President Xi’s double strategy to fully realise the bluesprint of a global economic development strategy.

(NAN)