Li calls for exchanges, coordination

Premier says more inclusive growth among countries is right way forward

China will further promote reform and opening-up while upholding multilateralism and respect for cultural diversity around the world, said Premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday on the sidelines of the Boao Forum for Asia annual conference in Hainan province.

When meeting with Ban Ki-moon, the forum's chairman, and other members of the Council of the Boao Forum for Asia, Li said all countries should strengthen their exchanges and coordination to achieve inclusive development.

China is still the world's largest developing country despite achievements made since the founding of the People's Republic of China 70 years ago, and faces a long road ahead in accomplishing modernization, he said.

Ban and other participants agreed that the world faces great uncertainty and challenges imposed by unilateralism and protectionism on economic globalization and multilateralism. China has set an example by promoting structural reform and opening-up to tackle these challenges, they said.

The forum is willing to work with all parties to promote Asia's economic integration and contribute its wisdom to building a community of a shared future for countries around the globe, they said.

On Wednesday, Li also met with Laotian Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith and Jorge Bom Jesus, prime minister of Sao Tome and Principe.

China is willing to align the Belt and Road Initiative with Laos' development strategies and ensure a high-quality completion of the China-Laos railway, Li told Sisoulith. The railway is a landmark project between the two neighbors to connect the Laotian capital of Vientiane with Kun-ming, the provincial capital of Yunnan.

The premier said this year marks the 10th anniversary of the two countries' comprehensive strategic partnership. China would like to enhance high-level exchanges and share experiences in governance with its neighbor, he said.

China encourages domestic companies to participate in Laos' economic development under market rules, Li said, and he called for rapid completion of a cooperative document for the China-Laos economic corridor.

Sisoulith said Laos and China have a shared future and his country is willing to promote the economic corridor and build the railway to benefit both peoples.

When meeting with Sao Tome and Principe's prime minister, Li said China appreciates the African country's adherence to the one-China principle, which is the political foundation for bilateral ties. China is willing to achieve closer exchanges and cooperation with Sao Tome and Principe, and would like to offer its support for the island country's independent and sustainable development, Li said.

Bom Jesus said restoration of diplomatic ties between the two countries in 2016 injected new vitality into bilateral ties. His country firmly supports the one-China principle and is ready to learn from China's development experience, he said. Chinese companies are welcome to invest in the island country in areas such as fishery, tourism, and infrastructure, he added.

On Wednesday morning, Li inspected several venues in Haikou, the provincial capital of Hainan, before his arrival at Boao.

The forum expects more than 2,000 participants and over 1,400 journalists from all over the world. Li is to deliver the keynote speech at the annual conference's opening ceremony on Thursday.