The week of May 12-16 witnessed the opening of Curaçao Export Week, and I participated in it on the first day. I should say I couldn’t agree more with the themes and points in the speeches by Mme. Vanessa Tore, Ministry of Economic Development of Curaçao, the representative of Mr. Charles Cooper, and some presentations by the local and regional elites from different sectors. I also enjoyed interesting discussions with some local businessmen.
Meanwhile, I felt the sentiment of confusion. Almost everyone stressed that today’s world was full of uncertainties and that people longed for a bright future but were bewildered about what would come and how should we respond? Besides that, some friends seemed to have some misunderstanding about China’s external economic cooperation.
Before sharing my answers, I think we need use philosophical thinking and get clear about a fundamental issue: Where did we come from? Where are we now? And where are we going?
Over the 20th century and more, mankind has gone through atrocity of hot wars and the chilling confrontation of Cold War, but also achieved remarkable development and huge progress. In the first half of 20th century, our fathers suffered the scourges of two world wars, and the people yearned for the advent of peace. In the 1950-60s, people in colonies fought to achieve independence.
Since the end of the Cold War, people have been after expanding cooperation and promoting common development. In a word, peace and development has been the aspiration held dear by mankind over the past century. However, the birth to the pair of twins is far from being given until today.
We are in an era of major development as well as profound transformation, and also an era of numerous challenges and increasing risks. The economic and social wellbeing of all countries is increasingly interconnected. Reform of the global governance system and order is picking up speed.
On the other hand, global growth is sluggish, the protectionism and unilateralism are resurgent, and multilateralism and the system of free trade are under threat. Cold War mentality and power politics linger and non-conventional security threats are spreading.
Nevertheless, one theme is consistent and remains crystal clear: peace and development other than poverty and war are what most people seek after, and an open and inclusive economic globalization has greatly boosted global growth. These are the core features of the irreversible and overarching trend of history, something that is independent of the will of a small group of people.
History tells us that openness and cooperation are major driving forces behind dynamic international economy and trade. The current situation likewise calls for them to foster global recovery, the same factors of which remain essential for future human progress.
Curaçao, in this sense, serves as a good example that the identity of being a multi-functional platform in the region keeps the island materially comfortable and spiritually beautiful.
Great visions can be realized only through actions. We should seize historic opportunities while guarding against potential risks in a global and strategic context. This the overall background of Chinese government’s proposal of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which has been viewed as a solid platform to build a global community of shared future by international society. It gives expression to the ancient Chinese vision of universal harmony and the Chinese nation’s worldview of seeking peace and harmony between nations, designs to improve development model, and contributes Chinese wisdom for a sounder economic globalization.
As an old Chinese proverb goes, jade can be polished by stones from other hills, so the experiences of China’s BRI implementation could be useful when Curaçao is reaching out to the regional countries and even a farther world:
---External cooperation should echo the common wish of all peoples for peace and development, and not for geopolitical or military alliance. Its participation should be constructive to mutual trust and is not based on ideology or zero-sum game mindset.
---Export and investment should move forward with major projects, especially those that meet the pressing needs of both peoples. Thus, setting up working mechanisms is necessary to clarify targeted measures.
---Efforts should be made to expand markets. By establishing more trading platforms and developing cross-border e-commerce, a country can encourage more foreign investments and improve better models of trade.
---Financial cooperation should be emphasized and improved. Investment in infrastructure and resource projects in private sector should be continually encouraged and promoted,
---Exchanges in the fields of education, science, technology, culture and tourism should be promoted, as they are necessary driving forces and catalysts for economic cooperation and bilateral amity.
In Chinese philosophy, one should be good at finding the laws of things and solving problems, and it echos Hermann Hess, the Swiss writer and Nobel laureate, who stressed the importance of serving “not war and destruction but peace and reconciliation.”
Expanding export network is an exciting goal, and it requires Curaçao’s efforts from all sectors. Chinese Consulate-general is willing to make friends and work with all the entities, countries, international and regional agencies to advance the great cause of building a community of shared future for mankind.
Wang Fanfu
Acting Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Willemstad
