Interview: Ethiopian PM lauds China´s reform policy

Source: Xinhua | 12-22-2008 08:38

ADDIS ABABA, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi on Sunday praised China's reform and opening-up policy, launched by late leader Deng Xiaoping three decades ago, describing it as "very timely," "very correct" and being of the world "historic significance."

"The ultimate proof of a successful policy is practice and the practice over the last 30 years has showed that China's reform and opening-up policy has been very timely and very correct," said Meles in an interview with China's official Xinhua News Agency.

"I think it is of the world historic significance," Meles added.

China held a meeting on Thursday to celebrate the 30th anniversary of its reform and opening-up drive, a watershed in China's development.

The decision to open up the once sealed off country and reform its struggling economy was made at the 3rd plenary session of the 11th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), which started on Dec. 18, 1978.

A fast pace of eliminating poverty has been seen in China with the largest population in the world, he said.

"This is the fastest reduction of poverty in history," he added.

　　POSITIVE IMPACTS ON AFRICA

Meles, who visited China for several times, said he made a visit to China every a few years and that every time he visited China he felt as if he visited a new and different country.

"The changes are so dramatic and so quick, and the statistical figures are of course very impressive."

Meles said the tremendous changes in China have affected Africa "very fundamentally and very positively."

"There are a number of areas where the results are quite visible," he said, adding that China has become a very crucial partner for Africa in terms of trade, investment, infrastructure construction, natural resource development.