China's participation in the World Trade Organization (WTO) is vital to developing and maintaining a fair system for global commerce, said a Colombian minister on Tuesday at the ongoing Hongqiao International Economic Forum.
As an important part of the China International Import Expo (CIIE), which kicked off Tuesday in Shanghai, the Hongqiao International Economic Forum is held alongside the event, featuring a total of 19 sub-forums on various topics.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the WTO. During a sub-forum titled "The WTO at 30 and China: History and Evolution" on Tuesday, government officials, international organization representatives, and business leaders from across the globe emphasized China's significant economic contributions since its accession to the WTO in 2001.
"China undoubtedly plays a crucial role in the WTO system. I believe that for many developing countries, China's industrial policies are an excellent model to follow. China remains committed to multilateralism and rules-based approaches in resolving trade disputes," said Luis Carlos Reyes Hernandez, Colombia's Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism.
China's accession to the WTO marked a milestone in its integration into the global economy, ushering in a new era of the country's reform and opening-up. Currently, China is a major trading partner for more than 140 countries and regions worldwide.
As the world's first national-level exposition dedicated to imports, the CIIE has attracted participants from 152 countries, regions and international organizations in its country exhibition and business exhibition.
Colombian minister emphasizes China's crucial role in WTO
Colombian minister emphasizes China's crucial role in WTO
Chinese envoy on Wednesday expressed support for the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia (UNVMC) to continue fulfilling its mandate, advancing the Colombian-led and Colombian-owned peace process, and providing vital assistance to Colombia in achieving peace and development.
Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the UN, made the statement when speaking at a UN Security Council meeting on the Colombian situation at the UN headquarter.
UN secretary-general's special representative for Colombia and head of the UNVMC Carlos Ruiz Massieu said that Colombia had achieved some milestones as it celebrated the eighth anniversary of a landmark peace deal. However, violent incidents earlier this year resulted in dozens of deaths. He emphasized the need for Colombia to strengthen the government's presence in remote areas, as the peace agreement remains central to achieving lasting peace in the country. He called on the international community to continue its unwavering support for this process.
Geng expressed hope that in the new year, all parties in Colombia will remain steadfast, united, and committed to writing new chapters of peace, reconciliation, and progress. Geng put forward three key expectations: achieving new progress in improving the security situation, advancing dialogue and reconciliation, and making new achievements in implementing the peace agreement.
"We support the Colombian government's efforts to increase security deployment to effectively deter violent activities, stabilize the situation as quickly as possible, ensure the safety of people's lives, alleviate the local humanitarian crisis, and strengthen protection for former armed personnel, ethnic groups and vulnerable groups such as women and children," said Geng.
Geng noted that the current peace talks between the Colombian government and the National Liberation Army (ELN) have encountered setbacks. China hopes that both sides will resolve their differences through dialogue and resume negotiations at an early date, and expects that the Colombian government's peace talks with other armed groups will remain unaffected, he said.
China commends the Colombian government, under the leadership of President Gustavo Petro, for prioritizing the implementation of the peace agreement in its governance agenda and for its efforts in areas such as rural reform and the reintegration of former armed personnel into society, Geng said.
China also calls on UN agencies, as well as international and regional partners, to continue supporting Colombia in consolidating the achievements of the peace process, he said.
Recently, armed clashes have continued between Colombia's main anti-government armed group, the ELN, and former members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) in the Catatumbo region, northern Colombia.
According to data from the Colombian Ombudsman's Office, the conflict has displaced 36,000 people. Petro on Monday declared a state of internal commotion.
FARC, once Colombia's largest anti-government armed group, signed a peace agreement with the government in 2016, disarmed the following year, and transitioned into a political party.
However, some FARC members refused to disarm and formed splinter groups. The ELN primarily engages in drug trafficking and other criminal activities along Colombia's Pacific coast and border regions. On Friday, the Colombian government announced the suspension of peace talks with the ELN once again.
China reaffirms support for Colombia's peace process
China reaffirms support for Colombia's peace process
