By Wei Chenxi

(ECNS) -- China will make greater achievements in modernization, said Palamagamba John Kabudi, former Tanzanian minister of foreign affairs and East African cooperation and professor at the University of Dar es Salaam, in an exclusive interview with China News Network recently.

The third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), which kicked off in Beijing on July 15, will run until the 18th. Kabudi expressed his anticipation of positive outcomes, which could not only benefit China but also favor Tanzania and the rest of the world.

Chinese Modernization a success story written by the CPC

In Kabudi’s view, Chinese modernization is a success story written by the CPC.

Kabudi noted that China's modernization and the development of socialism with Chinese characteristics have led to remarkable achievements in many fields, including agricultural development, poverty alleviation, industrialization, artificial intelligence, space science and so on.

“Today, humankind is faced with many challenges,” said Kabudi. And he pointed out that the CPC has the foresight to explore China's modernization path, while earnestly fulfilling its commitment to the international community, adding that “China is not only an anchor for peace for itself, but also for the world.”

Besides, Kabudi spoke highly of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) proposed by China, saying it has provided participating African countries with growth opportunities while accelerating the regional integration of East Africa.

“The BRI not only helps Third World countries develop infrastructure and strengthen multilateral trade cooperation but also improves the quality of life of the people,” said Kabudi. He stressed that in this context, China has made great achievements, which are conducive to world peace and development, as well as a better future for mankind.

Two peoples getting closer and closer

The year 2024 marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Tanzania and China. Kabudi noted that the timing is of great historical significance.

He added that over the past 60 years, with fruitful cooperation achieved in various fields between Tanzania and China, pragmatic cooperation will become deeper, and the two peoples closer.

“Tanzania-China relations have been at the forefront of China-Africa cooperation while becoming a model for China-Africa relations and South-South cooperation,” said Kabudi.

In recent years, China and Tanzania have continued to promote people-to-people exchanges and cooperation. More and more Tanzanians have chosen to study in China, with the number of Tanzanian students in China reaching 5,000 at its peak. At the same time, China has also opened skill training institutions such as the Luban Workshop in Tanzania.

Kabudi also mentioned that many of the country’s latest industrial projects have been built by Chinese companies or backed by Chinese investors.

At present, nearly 700 Chinese-funded enterprises have registered in Tanzania, including around 100 state-owned enterprises, which mainly engage in project contracting, investments, and bilateral assistance programs.

Kabudi pointed out that a growing Chinese business presence in Tanzania will create more jobs for local people, but what is more important is that it will also facilitate technology transfer. For example, in artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, and space science, China can help develop a more skilled talent pool for Tanzania, narrowing its gap with technologically advanced countries.

What China achieves will change the world

“Considering the achievements, China will show greater action and further change the world in the process of advancing modernization,” said Kabudi.

Kabudi pointed out that the world has seen enormous development in the digital age and China is already the leading power in information technology. And he noted that China has been one of the first countries to come with 5G when it comes to telecommunication.

Besides, he added that another area where China has a positive impact on Tanzania and the wider world is decarbonization.

Regarding climate change, Kabudi believes that the world needs to reduce the pollution caused by humans, adding that “China is a leading country in electric vehicle production, and the progress made in this field will help reduce global carbon dioxide emissions.” 

He stressed that China has made big advances in transportation as well, as can be proved by the high-speed rails. “I think all these transformations have made China more modern, contributing to China’s development and benefiting other countries and regions,” concluded Kabudi.