Danish Ambassador to China Friis Arne Petersen said Monday that this year's report on the work of the government delivered by Premier Li Keqiang at the ongoing two sessions of the NPC and CPPCC shows China's ambition and confidence.
Danish Ambassador to China Friis Arne Petersen. [File photo] |
Environmental pollution, anti-corruption and improving government are the most interesting parts of the report to Ambassador Petersen. "This comprehensive report has shown China's high ambition of making a green economy by setting a ceiling on total energy consumption, developing energy conservation and environmental protection industry into a new pillar of the economy," Petersen said. "These are very positive and daring messages."
Denmark and China have signed several MOUs on energy efficiency and environmental protection, and both governments have set sustainable agriculture and clean energy as priority areas for cooperation. Petersen hopes to continue enhancing bilateral cooperation in this sector as Denmark has rich experience and advanced technologies to share with China.
Speaking about China's target of keeping its gross domestic product growth rate at about 7 percent, Petersen said it's a very high growth rate for the world's second largest economy. "It is a clear message from a convincing and competent Chinese government which can promise Chinese citizens and the world economy stable and sustainable growth."
As for China's debt issue, Petersen dismissed hype from western critics and media about Chinese economic risks. He praised Premier Li for addressing this issue precisely by giving detailed figures about debts in the government report.
The total government budget deficit for 2015 is projected to be 1.62 trillion yuan (US$ 263 billion), an increase of 270 billion yuan over last year, which includes 1.12 trillion yuan in central government deficit and 500 billion yuan in deficits at local government levels, Premier Li Keqiang said in his government work report.
The report also announced that ceilings would be imposed on local government debt, which would be placed under budgetary management when used for general public finance and government-managed funds.
Petersen highly commended the Chinese central government's streamlining of its administration and its delegation of more power to lower-level governments. "I think it's the way to go for China, and simplifying administration is always important," Petersen said.
Premier Li's report also said that China's tough stance on corruption is here to stay and that tolerance for corruption is zero. "This is not a short-term campaign. It is not OK to do a little bit of bad things. Everything bad is banned," Petersen said. "As the least corrupt country in the world, Denmark finds this message very strong and promising," he added.
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