Xinhuanet, Beijing, March 17. Xinhuanet recently conducted an exclusive interview with Spanish Ambassador Valencia on China's two sessions and Sino-Western economic and trade development exchanges. Valencia said that Spain is very grateful for the investment from China and other countries.Spain Spain welcomes China's investment in technology, real estate, tourism and other industries.
Reporter: China and Spain have completely different historical and cultural backgrounds. What aspects of China have impressed you most about working and living in China?
Valencia: For the Spanish, China is full of exoticism. But slowly, we discovered that there are a lot in common between the two countries. I am very happy to be able to live in China, such as the way of eating, family concepts, etc.
Reporter: China's "Two Sessions" are an important window to grasp the pulse of China's development. Which issues on the "Two Sessions" are Mr. Ambassador most concerned about?
Valencia: As a diplomat, I am very concerned about all aspects of China's reform. Because reform will affect China's economy, and the development of China's economy will have an extremely far-reaching impact on the world. Specifically, production reductions in industries such as steel and cement, and reforms in the investment field are all my concerns. In addition, because I live in Beijing, I personally care about how China will solve environmental problems.
Reporter: At present, the Chinese economy is also undergoing structural reforms. Do you think there will be a "hard landing" in the Chinese economy?
Valencia: I don’t think so. Although I am not a magician who can perceive everything, I think China's economy can achieve a "soft landing" in the future. Through the reform of infrastructure and other aspects, I believe that China is capable of avoiding a "hard landing" of the economy.
Reporter: What do you think of China's economic development prospects?
Valencia: I am very optimistic! Over the years, China’s economic development has been very good, but now the growth rate has only slowed down a little bit. Many people feel that China’s economy has stagnated. I don’t think so! I think the prospects for China's economic development this year are good, and an economic growth rate of 6%-6.5% is very normal and reasonable. Think about it, Spain’s economic growth rate is 3.2%, but this number is too low for China, but for Spain and other European countries, this is already a very high growth and very good result! As the Spanish poet said, different mirrors can reflect different images. Of course, economic reform is also very necessary for the current China, such as the balance between various industrial sectors, such as helping the poor people get rid of poverty, and so on.
Reporter: What do you think of the "Belt and Road" initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping?
Valencia: This is very important for China, especially for driving China's consumer market. The message it brings is that China needs to "go out" to explore foreign markets. The Silk Road runs through Iran and Turkey and runs through Europe, which is very beneficial to the development of Chinese enterprises. However, the key to this concept is the competitiveness of enterprises. Only by opening up the market and promoting transparency in competition can China finally enhance the competitiveness of its enterprises, which is very beneficial to consumers in China, Europe and the world.
Reporter: This year is the first year of China’s 13th Five-Year Plan. International public opinion believes that innovation will become the new engine of China's economic growth. Where do you think China should make efforts for innovation and development?
Valencia: China is currently committed to the reform of enterprises and the research and development of new products, but I think China's innovation can go deeper and surpass the level of developed countries such as the United States, otherwise it will always be one step behind them. I think China is also aware of this, so the government has invested a lot of funds in various institutions of higher learning and research centers, with a view to further innovation and development. Therefore, I think that through reform, innovation and learning, China's future development in fields including electronics and medicine can also invigorate the world!
Reporter: President Xi has repeatedly explained the "Chinese Dream" on various international occasions. What do you think of this concept?
Valencia: The "Chinese Dream" can be said to be a vision. It conveys a message of rethinking. This concept helps to strengthen the cohesion of the people and makes the Chinese people proud of being a Chinese.
Reporter: In what ways do you think China can cooperate with Spain mutually beneficially and share development opportunities?
Valencia: China and Spain have a lot of cooperation in various fields. I think the cooperation between our two countries should not only be limited to China and Spain, but should jointly develop the third market. For example, in regions such as Africa, the Middle East and South America, China and Spain can work together and achieve a lot.
Reporter: As an ambassador, how will you promote cooperation between the two countries in various fields?
Valencia: While understanding what the Spanish people are more interested in in China, I also try to understand the Chinese people's ideas about Spain and try to integrate these ideas. I think both China and Spain have a lot of room for development in economy, trade, culture, language and so on.
Reporter: Premier Li Keqiang has repeatedly proposed that Chinese companies "go global". In what areas does Spain need the investment of Chinese companies the most?
Valencia: Spain is very grateful for the investment from China and other countries, and we attach great importance to this. Spain’s economy is diversified, with rapid development in agriculture, industry, high-tech, aviation, and cultural industries. Spain welcomes China's investment in technology, real estate, tourism and other fields. Spain's tourism industry is very developed and occupies a pivotal position in the world. At present, many countries including China are investing in Spain's tourism industry, and we look forward to more Chinese investors participating in it.
Home
About Dialogue
News Information
Silk Road Dialogue
Branch Office
Silk Road City
Dialogue Project
Project Information
Contact us