In Beijing, a high-level forum marking the 10th anniversary of China's entry into the World Trade Organisation (WTO) has been held. At the opening ceremony in the Great Hall of the People, President Hu Jintao said during the 10 years in the WTO, China has widened its knowledge of how to develop globally and gained more confidence regarding opening up.
China took years to finally be admitted to the World Trade Organization.
Once the elation of being part of the club subsided, the country entered a decade of hard work and struggle to be able to present all its achievements proudly.
President Hu Jintao said, "Over the past 10 years, China has persisted in the principle of equality and mutual benefit, continued reform and opening-up and advanced win-win cooperation. China has become a strong force to promote the world economy. China has fully enjoyed the benefits as a WTO member. "
By 2010, all of China's commitments made upon entry into the WTO had been fulfilled, which according to the director general of the organization, was by no means easy.
Looking back on the last decade, the accession has exceeded everyone's expectations. The country is now the world's second largest economy, a destination for the most foreign direct investment in the developing world.
And China has changed not just itself. By raising over 100 proposals in the organization, it has promoted transparency, rule of law, and public participation in the law-making process. The entire world has indeed felt the benefits.
(CNTV.cn December 11, 2011) |