What are we Waiting for to Develop the Economic Relation with China?
The president of the Lebanese Chinese Business Association
What are we Waiting for to Develop the Economic Relation with China?
Beirut 4th of December – 2021, The President of the Lebanese Chinese Business Association Mr. Ali Mahmoud Al Abdallah said: The New Chinese Donation of Three Hundred Thousand (300,000) Vaccine and Medical Equipment to face the repercussions of Corona Pandemic shows the Commitment of China’s Government, and their people's great support for Lebanon during these hard circumstances. He added that the support of China for, not only Lebanon, but other countries as well is not a new thing. It reflects the extension of China’s policy that is based on Respecting the brotherhood and cooperation. On the other hand, Mr. Abdallah emphasized the importance of Lebanon to make the decision to raise the level of coordination and cooperation with China especially on the Economic level. He Considered that solidifying the relations through the economic projects and the coordination with Chinese companies is a chance that Lebanon must handle very seriously. Especially after China Expressing the Will, through different occasions, to support and fulfill Lebanon’s Projects whether in the energy field, transportation field and others.
Mr. El Abdallah said: “China is not just a country that sees Lebanon as a friend, it is a great nation that builds its policy from a strategic perspective that aims to develop the bi-relations on every level, either if it is political, economic, social, and Cultural. China also ensures it provides support to Lebanon in very specific fields, whether in Education, health care, and even in the cultural and musical fields. It is known that China is funding the construction of the new building of the National Musical Institute in Lebanon “Conservator”. This shows that we are not dealing with a regular helping country, but dealing with a 50 year old friendship that includes major important fields like peace keeping. China participates in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFEL). It also participated in the specialized International Meetings aimed to provide support for Lebanon, and most recently, the two international conferences to help the Lebanese People after the Crisis of the Port Explosion.”
He added: “China Informed Lebanon, through the Previous Minister Dr. Hassan Diab, of their desire to Cooperate in the field of Electricity production through the Chinese companies in addition to other fields including: Railways, Water Treatment, Petroleum, waste management, and development of industrial Projects. However, Lebanon has not been decisive with these attractive and essential offers. It is an unfortunate move from Lebanon to not hurry and explore these cooperation opportunities with the Chinese companies. The Lebanese government must take the initiative to finalize its stands in this regard.”
He mentioned: “We should never forget that Lebanon have signed up in 2017 a memorandum of understanding with the Chinese government about the joint promotion for cooperation in the economic framework concerning the silk road and the Maritime Silk Road Initiative for the Twenty-first Century. The memorandum also addressed the cooperation from the two sides in different common interest fields such transportation, logistics, public infrastructure, trades and investments, the energy field, and Renewable energy. All in addition for the cultural exchange between the two countries, and the exchange in health and sports. The memorandum went even further, and it included high level exchange visits based on the Governmental and non – Governmental Cooperation mechanisms, and to build up a multi-level platform to exchange information in different fields to provide various channels that enhance transparency. In Addition to implementing trial programs, common research, and organizing training courses in basic fields. Also, the memorandum stipulated on the formulation of the plan that points to the cooperation and consultation of both countries to finish the joint projects. And recently, the Chinese Ambassador Mr. Qian Minjian said that “Beijing always Considered Lebanon as an important historical pivotal station and a vital link in this contemporary stage.” This statement came out a couple of months after assuring that China considers it important to Develop the Chinese – Lebanese Relationship”, emphasizing that he will do his best to strengthen this historical relation.”
Mr. El Abdallah concluded: “Lebanon is in a real need to strengthen the relation with China Especially in the Private sector. We are in an unprecedented crisis, and we have to take the full advantage of the Chinese support to re-build the economy and recover as soon as possible. And the Logical Questions is “What are we waiting for to take advantage of the cooperation and the economic assistance offers from China?”