Islamabad, 30 Oct 2023

The government, people of Pakistan and Kashmiri people observed recently 76th anniversary of the Indian troops’ invading of Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir region as a ‘Black Day’, 27th October in 1947.

Since, then people of Kashmir are waiting the United Nation to fulfill its commitment as per UN Resolutions on Kashmir.

The President, Prime Minister, and Foreign Minister of Pakistan in their special messages on the occasion, have reiterated Pakistan’s unflinching moral, diplomatic and political support to the Kashmir Cause. They have also underscored the need to reverse India’s illegal and unilateral actions of 5 August 2019, which have triggered a process aimed at changing the demographic structure and political landscape of the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

The Foreign Minister has addressed letters to the President UN General Assembly, the President UN Security Council, the UN Secretary General, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the OIC Secretary General to apprise them of the latest situation in IIOJK. In these letters, the Foreign Minister has called for implementation of the relevant UN Security Council resolutions to enable the people of Jammu and Kashmir to determine their own future. He has requested the international community to urge India to immediately release the political prisoners and dissenters, including Mr. Yasin Malik, for whom the Indian authorities have sought a death penalty.

The Foreign Secretary briefed the Islamabad-based diplomatic missions on the situation in IIOJK. He also highlighted the legal, security and human rights dimensions of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

A ‘Protest Walk’ was also held in Islamabad, this morning, along the Constitution Avenue up to the ‘D-Chowk’. The walk was led by Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Mr. Murtaza Solangi. The officers and staff members of the Ministry participated in the walk.

A range of activities are being organized throughout the country to mark the ‘Black Day’, which include public rallies, seminars, webinars, panel discussions and photo exhibitions. With the active participation of Pakistani and Kashmiri Diaspora, Pakistan’s diplomatic missions around the world held special events to raise global awareness about India’s decades-long occupation of Jammu and Kashmir.

Doha, 30 Oct. 2023 (QT)

By Ashraf Siddiqui

China's per capita income in 1980 stood at $690. By 2022, it had skyrocketed to around $12,670 accompanied by a staggering Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $17.9 trillion, securing China’s position as the second largest economy in the world, trailing only the USA.

China has evolved from a low-income country to an upper-middle income country and, as per a World Bank report, the country is on track to reach high income status within the next five years. One of the most astonishing achievements is the fact that around 800 million Chinese citizens have transcended poverty, a figure nearly double the entire population of the European Union and two and a half times the population of the United States. This remarkable accomplishment accounts for 75 percent of the global effort to eradicate poverty.

What’s even more astounding is that China has achieved this feat despite its vast geographical expanse, spanning over 9.6 million square kilometres, with a population that has burgeoned from 980million to 1.4 billion, and encompassing 46 distinct ethnicities with diverse cultures.

Central to this transformative journey is the pivotal role played by the Chinese government. The government has spent over $700bn from 1980-2022 to support impoverished households and small and medium sized businesses in elevating their incomes.

Furthermore, China has solidified its position as a global leader in scientific and technological advancements, particularly in fields such as robotics, artificial intelligence, quantum technology, and financial technology. The country has also made significant strides in crucial areas like health care, education, and digital infrastructure, with more than 98 percent of impoverished villages having access to optical fiber and 4G connectivity.

The remarkable facet of China’s development is its ability to create opportunities for its people to enhance their livelihoods. This is evident from a country with no billionaire four decades before, now being home to 1,056 billionaires, highest globally, surpassing the USA.

My recent visits to various parts of China gave an opportunity to witness firsthand positive changes and innovations taking place. Meetings with government authorities, factory managers, farmers, traders, and visits to international sea and land ports have all underscored the multifaceted progress which has taken
root.

During visit to Urumqi and Kashgar in Xinjiang, an autonomous province in the northwest, most modern and highly developed infrastructure revealed the deep commitment and financial support from the central government in uplifting the lives of the impoverished and bolstering the local economy.

Xinjiang, a pivotal player in trade for centuries famed for silk road playing an important role in the Belt and Road initiative (BRI), is keen on attracting investors and businesses from countries like Qatar. The region offers numerous opportunities spanning various sectors, with a particular emphasis on agriculture meeting food security challenges of Qatar.

I met individuals like Abdul Rahman, an elderly farmer in a village near Kashgar. He expressed his gratitude to the government for its support which enabled him to build his house and sustain his land for cultivation. Such support has been extended to hundreds of other farmers in the area, exemplifying the central government’s commitment to improving living standards.

Visits to factories like Xinjiang Zijing Chuansuo High-tech Agriculture Co. Ltd; Camel Hump Fine Hair Co. and Shufu County Jiang Guo Guo vividly illustrated the impact of government assistance in bolstering agro, traditional industries and promoting innovation. These companies showcased sustainable practices and technology driven solutions.

Mubarak Mugat, Deputy Director General, at Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Xinjiang Province, praised Chinese Central government’s concern and financial support to the province for eradicating poverty and reducing the gap in income.

She invited investors and the business community from Qatar to look into the possibilities of building business relations and take advantage of the rich resources of Xinjiang for the benefit of people of both the countries.

China’s success in raising the living standards of its diverse population hinges on broad-based economic transformation in conjunction with targeted poverty reduction policies, reducing inequality in less developed regions like Xinjiang, healthcare, education and strengthening key institutions engaged in economic and social development.

China pivots resources from the public sector to private sector, and embraces innovation, technological progress, and foreign investment. It continues to get support from international financial houses like of World Bank (WB) and International Finance Corporation (IFC). WB has invested over $66.77bn since 1980, in 441 development projects, while IFC has contributed $17.6bn to more than 400 projects during same period. However, the relation between China and international financial institutions has evolved, reduced lending, and limited to selective approach, in accordance with agreements signed in 2018.

Moreover, China’s unique initiative and sharing of its wealth for the economic development of regional countries and prosperity of the people within country and the rest of the world through projects like BRICS, reinforces the belief that with sustained commitment and determination, China is on its way to achieving
its ambitious goals of constructing a great, modern, socialist country, attaining nationwide common prosperity, establishing a moderately prosperous society, and eliminating absolute poverty.

To mitigate income inequality, China aims to increase per capita income to yuan 75,000 by 2025. This enduring commitment to development serves as an inspiring example for the world to follow.

Istanbul, 28 Oct 2023 (Anadolu News)

Türkiye will introduce Israel to the world as a war criminal, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday.

Speaking at 'Great Palestine Meeting' a pro-Palestine rally in Istanbul, Erdogan said: "Israel, we will also declare you as a war criminal to the world, we are preparing for it, and we will introduce Israel to the world as a war criminal."

Thousands of people in Istanbul on Saturday joined the "Great Palestine Meeting," a pro-Palestine rally in Istanbul.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, invited the nation to attend the rally to show “brotherhood between Turks and Palestinians to the world.”

People from different walks of life, carrying Turkish and Palestinian flags, have gathered at the Ataturk Airport. Some of the attendants also wore headbands with the inscription, "We are all Palestinians," "End the genocide, let the children live" and "Be the voice of Palestinian children."

Erdogan stressed that the Western world mobilized its politicians, and media to legitimize the massacre of the innocent people in Gaza, adding: "Israel is committing war crimes."

He said Israel is an “occupier,” adding: “West owes you, but Türkiye does not owe you.”

Those shedding crocodile tears for civilians killed in the Ukraine-Russia war are silently watching the deaths of thousands of innocent children in Gaza, said the Turkish president.

“I am asking West, do you want to create another Crusader War atmosphere?” he asked, adding: “The main culprit behind the massacre unfolding in Gaza is the West.”

“Of course, every country has the right to defend itself, but where is justice? There is no defense but an open, and vicious massacre going on in Gaza.”

Everyone knows that Israel is a pawn in the region that will be sacrificed when the time comes, he added.

“I said in Davos, you know how to kill. They know well how to kill.”

Erdogan said he saluted "the determination of the people of Gaza" to not abandon their homes, and city in the face of oppressor's bombardments.

Israel has heavily bombarded Gaza since Oct. 7 when the Palestinian group Hamas carried out a cross-border attack, killing 1,400 people, and taking many hostages.

The Health Ministry in the Gaza Strip said the Israeli strikes had now killed at least 7,703 people, mainly civilians and many of them children.

Recalling the UN General Assembly votes in favor of a resolution calling for a 'humanitarian truce' in Gaza, Erdogan said: "Israel, you are doomed to be left alone."

The UN General Assembly approved a resolution Friday that called for an immediate "durable and sustained humanitarian truce" in Gaza.

The resolution, which was presented by nearly 50 countries, including Türkiye, Palestine, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), was approved in a 120-14 vote with 45 nations abstaining.

Adopted at the 10th Emergency Special Session meeting on the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, the draft resolution expresses "grave concern" about the "latest escalation of violence."

Türkiye does not condone attacks targeting civilians in Israel, said Erdogan, adding: "We are saddened for every civilian in any way, but Israel does not care."

Just as Türkiye stood by the oppressed during difficult times, as it did during the Second World War and 500 years ago, it will also be the hope for these people, he added.

"I reiterate the call I made to the Israeli government in recent days. Heed our call to deliver aid to the oppressed and to open the doors of dialogue to establish peace. Come today and take a positive step, perhaps for the first time in your life, for your own and your children's future."

There are Palestinians who have been gradually displaced from their homes, and homelands, and their lives have been affected due to the attacks carried out by Israel since its establishment, he said.

"Certainly, in such a climate of fire and blood, there have been regrettable events. However, none of these can serve as an excuse for campaigns aimed at discrediting the resistance carried out by the Palestinian people under various names."

"I said that Hamas is not a terrorist organization, and Israel was very disturbed by this. Well, we weren't expecting anything else anyway," the president said.

"The unlimited cruelty displayed today by those who have alarmed the world on account of the injustices they suffered until yesterday cannot be explained in any other way."

"The real owners of the game being played in the region are those who support the Israeli government's whims. Because Israel cannot take a step without them,” he said.

Israel is also behind the PKK, YPG terror groups, and FETO terror group, said Erdogan, adding: "They provide them with money and weapons."

Due to restrictions on aid to Gaza, all humanitarian needs, including electricity, food, health, and hygiene supplies, cannot be met, Erdogan said.

"What has been happening since last night (Friday) is nothing short of a state of madness. Despite this grim situation, the dignified, determined, and faithful stance of the people of Gaza will be recorded in history as a glorious epic of resistance."

The United Nations Children’s Fund on Saturday called for an immediate humanitarian cease-fire, calling the situation in Gaza "horrific."

"UNICEF has been able to contact only a few of its humanitarian staff in the Gaza Strip. The situation in Gaza is horrific," Executive Director Catherine Russell said on X.

"We say it again: We demand an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and safe access," Russell said and added: "The killing or captivity of any child is an outrage."

"It must stop," she urged.

The Israeli army on Friday widened its air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip, which has been under relentless airstrikes since the surprise offensive by Hamas on Oct. 7. International aid agencies said they lost contact with staff in Gaza after Israel knocked out internet and communications.

At least 7,703 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli attacks. Some 70% of the Palestinian deaths are women and children, according to official figures.

The death toll in Israel stands at more than 1,400.

Gaza's 2.3 million residents are grappling with shortages of food, water, and medicine due to Israel’s massive air bombardment and total blockade of the enclave.

The UN General Assembly called for an immediate humanitarian truce, with 120 states voting for a resolution put forward by Jordan. Israel, however, rejected it.

Doha, 24 Oct 2023

The Embassy of Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Qatar and Elegancia Healthcare WLL has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)  in regards to recruitment of skilled healthcare professionals for Qatar and Elegancia Healthcare hospitals in other regions.

 MOU was signed by Muhemmed Aejaz, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, representing the Overseas Employment Corporation (OEC), and Joseph Hazel, CEO,  Elegancia Healthcare W.L.L., Doha, Qatar.

This MOU is a step forward  in facilitating the process of recruiting skilled healthcare professionals from Pakistan by creating a pathway for healthcare specialists, including doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff, to contribute their expertise to not only to Qatar's healthcare sector but also at Elegancia Healthcare's affiliated hospitals in other regions.

This collaboration also reflects a strong partnership between Pakistan and Qatar and underscores their commitment to cultivating a diverse and skilled healthcare workforce.

Doha, 23 Oct. 2023

Doha, 24 Oct. 2023 (Amiri Diwan News)

His Highness The Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani patronized the inauguration of the third ordinary session of the first legislative term, corresponding to the Shura Council's 52nd annual session, today morning at Tamim bin Hamad Hall at the Shura Council's headquarters.

The inauguration was attended by HH Personal Representative of HH The Amir Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani, and HE Sheikh Jassim bin Khalifa Al Thani.

It was also attended by HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, and a number of Their Excellencies Sheikhs, Ministers and heads of diplomatic missions accredited to the State and dignitaries.

HH The Amir delivered the following speech on this occasion.

In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Brothers and Sisters, Members of the Shura Council,

It always pleases me to welcome you at the beginning of your esteemed Council’s annual session, wishing you every success in discharging your noble tasks.

I also salute your tireless legislative work,  and acknowledge your active participation in conferences and meetings held by regional and international parliamentary unions and organizations to catch up on legislative developments at the international level.

Brothers and Sisters,

Although we are used to focus on internal issues during my annual meeting with you, allow me this time to start with the situation in Palestine. Our Palestinian brethren are living in straitened circumstances beyond the realm of imagination.

It is neither tenable to stay tight-lipped about the unprecedented barbaric bombing of the civilians in Gaza Strip, which is one of the most populous areas in the world, nor to ignore the huge numbers of its innocent victims, including children and women.

You all know that we are peace advocates, and that we adhere to the resolutions of international legitimacy, the Arab initiative, and so forth, and that we are against attacks on innocent civilians, regardless of their nationality, by any party. But we do not accept double standards, nor do we accept acting as if the Palestinian children’s lives are not worth to be reckoned with, as though they are faceless or nameless. What is happening is very dangerous, it includes trampling not only on international law, but also all values, norms, and religious and worldly laws, besides the proclaimed Israeli remarks of its illegal intentions such as displacement, and so forth.

We are saying enough is enough. It is untenable for Israel to be given an unconditional green light and free license to kill, nor it is tenable to continue ignoring the reality of occupation, siege and settlement. It should not be allowed in our time to use cutting off water and preventing medicine and food as weapons against an entire population. We call for an earnest regional and international stance vis-a-vis this dangerous escalation that we are witnessing, and which threatens the security of the region and the world. We call for an end to this war that has transcended all limits, to stem the bloodshed, spare the civilians the consequences of military confrontations, and prevent the circle of conflict from spilling over.

We would like to ask those who have aligned with the war, and those acting to gag any dissenting opinion: What would come in the aftermath of this war? Would it bring security and stability to Israelis and Palestinians? Where would the Palestinians head for afterwards? The Palestinian people are here to stay, despite the lingering suffering under occupation, siege, land confiscation and settlement. Wars offer no solution of any kind. What lies ahead of this will be further exacerbation of suffering, an increase in the number of victims, and a deep sense of grievance that breeds wrath. Generations of children will grow up amidst this horrific experience, and the silence observed by the international community over the killing of their brothers and peers.

The only way to guarantee security and stability for the two peoples is in what has been put aside until now, which lies in achieving a just and lasting peace, and securing Palestinian people’s access to all their legitimate rights approved by international organizations, including the establishment of their independent State, on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Brothers and Sisters,

At the local level and despite the difficulties facing the global economy and their negative impact on the economies of many countries, the Qatari economy continued to grow during the first quarter of this year, as preliminary data indicate Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth in constant prices by 2.7% compared to the same period last year.

The gas production expansion project and the third national development strategy have boosted the positive outlook for the local economy. The State will allocate the necessary resources to implement the initiatives and projects of the third national development strategy, in addition to the main priority projects to enhance the opportunities available for the private sector.

The hike in energy prices above the forecast price in the State’s general budget has led to generating a surplus beyond expectations during the first half of the year. This surplus will be used to reduce public debt level and increase the State's financial reserves. We were able to cut the level of public debt from approximately 73% of the Gross Domestic Product in 2020 to below 40% at the end of the first half of 2023. This is an important achievement in terms of the soundness and stability of our national economy.

This policy has proven effective as it has contributed to raising the State's credit rating and changing the future outlook from stable to positive.

The State will continue to adopt conservative oil prices as the basis for the fiscal budget, in addition to enhancing efforts to diversify sources of income through State investments in various economic sectors both domestically and abroad, and by encouraging the private sector.

The fiscal and economic policy besides the adopted procedures have contributed to reducing inflation rate from 5% in 2022 to 3.6% for the first half of 2023. International Monetary Fund forecasts indicate an inflation rate drop reaching 2% in the State of Qatar during the medium term.

At the legislative and administrative levels, the State has taken several measures to enhance economic openness and partnership between the public and private sectors, protect intellectual property rights, support the national product competitiveness, and digital transformation.

During the coming period, the State will pay great attention to developing the business environment, attracting investment, and benefiting from the available infrastructure. During recent years the State has succeeded in evolving an integrated infrastructure that promotes its competitiveness in attracting investments.

The competent authorities continue to invoke the provisions of the law regulating partnership between the public and private sectors in all relevant projects, including health, educational and tourist facilities. There is also an ongoing mechanism in the State that develops the legislations regulating foreign investment to remove the obstacles facing such investment, and to highlight Qatar as an incubator for direct international investment on the international level.

What is required is to change some negative bureaucratic attitudes and approaches in favor of giving openness to investments, encouraging start-ups, and creating a hospitable institutional environment that encourages success.

There are legal loopholes that need to be plugged, and obstacles that must be removed, such as lack of clarity of procedures, as sometimes the employees themselves are unaware of them, besides the conflict between agencies. These are matters that can be easily resolved. In the end, there is one State and one executive authority in place.

Brothers and sisters,

Pursuant to the development drive, the process of preparing the third national development strategy is nearing completion. Given that this strategy has been pivoted towards the pillars of the Qatar National Vision 2030, which includes human, social, economic and environmental development, all relevant authorities were invited to contribute to its preparation.

Hence, I would like to emphasize that economic growth basically depends on the extent of investment in human capital, especially those working in government institutions, to enable it to deal and interact with the knowledge-based and competitive global economy.

In this context, reliable statistical data is an important tool in determining the real current and future needs of the State. The time has come to create an integrated central database that meets national data requirements efficiently and with high degree of credibility. Work has already begun on its construction which will be completed according to specific deadlines.

During the implementation of its development plans and projects, the State has given special importance to preserving and meeting the environmental requirements. This included increasing green spaces as part of global solidarity to protect the environment within the framework of the Green Middle East Initiative, building water treatment plants, preparing a synergic national program for managing waste and converting it into clean energy, and continuously improving the quality of life.

In the field of upgrading the judicial system, the National Justice Systems Development Initiative is making progress in realizing its desired goals in the field of prompt justice. We look forward to achieving further improvement with the promulgation of some legislations which were approved by your esteemed council in the previous session, such as the Judicial Authority Law, the Prosecution Law, and other relevant laws.

In complement to the judicial legislative structure, another set of primary draft laws, which will contribute to developing the judiciary and achieving prompt justice, will be presented to you during the current session.

Brothers and Sisters,

With regard to our foreign policy, we seek, as you know - and within the framework of striking a balance between our principles, interests, and sense of belonging to our civilized environment - to assume a constructive role, in making peace, resolving disputes through peaceful means, and doubling down on justice in international relations. We don’t stand by idly vis-a-vis the continued deteriorating situations in some sisterly countries, but we do what we can to help addressing it from the standpoints of solidarity, responsibility and regional stability. However, we feel satisfied with any progress in resolving differences through dialogue between countries.

Today, Qatar is recognized as a trustworthy mediator in peace making and conflict resolution through dialogue and diplomacy. In this respect, we reiterate our welcome of the US-Iranian prisoner swap, which was brokered by Qatar. Also, the Qatari mediation has secured the repatriation of four Ukrainian children from Russia to be reunited with their families in Ukraine. We affirm our determination to move forward in facilitating dialogue between the various parties to enhance security and peace in our region and the world.

We are also pleased to welcome again the brethren leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries in Doha next December, at its next summit, hoping that this summit will constitute an important turning point in strengthening our joint action, in a way that will fulfil the aspirations of our peoples.

Brothers and Sisters,

Neither Development nor prosperity will take place or occur just by merely approving top-down legislation and policies, because this also requires good implementation thereof by the various State agencies, the citizen’s awareness of the importance of his role in his position, in addition to his social responsibility and duties towards the homeland, besides expanding his field of vision and his interest to include the interests of society and the State. This is the highest essence of patriotism and devotion towards the homeland.

You have all noticed the level of progress we could achieve when our view of ourselves integrates with our image abroad, as was the case during the World Cup matches in Qatar. You have seen that the positive interaction with the outside has reflected in progress at home, and vice versa. This is the logic behind the energy industry, the sovereign fund, and international mediations, and this is also the logic behind the civilized interaction which also embraces tolerance and acceptance of diversity. Cultural interaction and acceptance of diversity are not contradictory to the collective Qatari Arab Muslim identity, but rather a contribution to its evolvement and development in consistence with the challenges of the times at every historical stage.

What is constant is moral integration in private and public life, in terms of nobility and magnanimity, which includes favoring justice, integrity, and generosity by all. This emanates from our keen care for the family as the basic building block of our society, raising our children, good neighborliness and sincerity in workplace, all the way down to the solidarity with the just causes with which I started this speech.

In conclusion, I would like to wish you a successful legislative term.

May God’s peace, mercy, and blessings be upon you.

Doha, 24 Oct. 2023

Doha,

We Sow the Seeds of Friendship and Hard Work, and Together We Reap Unity and Developmen

——Written on the occasion of the release of the white paper "A Global Community of Shared Future: China's Proposals and Actions."

By Chen Yue

Chargé d’Affaires of Chinese Embassy in Qatar

This year marks the tenth anniversary of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind. Not long ago, China released the White Paper "A Global Community of Shared Future: China's Proposals and Actions". It systematically lays out the general context, rich implications, practical pathways, and global significance of establishing a global community of shared future for mankind，to build a global community of shared future and strive for a better world.

Over the past decade, the international consensus on building a global community of shared future has been growing.

China has established various forms of a community of shared future with dozens of countries and regions, whether bilateral or multilateral, regional or global. The vision of a global community of shared future has been included in U.N. Assembly Resolutions for six consecutive years and incorporated into the resolutions and declarations of multilateral mechanisms such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and BRICS.

It has garnered the international community's understanding and support, as an essential choice that aligns with the general trend of history and promotes human development with peaceful development and remain committed to win-win cooperation.

At the recently concluded third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, President Xi Jinping and leaders of participating countries jointly sent the clearest signal of unity, cooperation and openness for win-win results, and creating a better future of common modernization.

Arab states, including Qatar, are firm supporters of building a global community of shared future.

This year is the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Qatar. Over the past 35 years, the two countries have consistently understood and supported each other, standing together to pursue mutual assistance of shared future and jointly composing a splendid chapter of friendly and win-win cooperation.

Over the past 35 years, China and Qatar have sown trust and reaped unity. The two countries maintained close high-level exchanges with our friendship growing stronger.

President Xi Jinping and HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani have met five times in a decade, chartering the course for the development of China-Qatar relations. Not long ago, Qatar participated in the 23rd China International Fair for Investment and Trade in Xiamen as the guest of honor.

Over the past 35 years, China and Qatar have sown hard work and reaped achievements. Mutually beneficial cooperation between our two countries has achieved fruitful outcomes.

Last year, the total trade volume between China and Qatar reached 26.55 billion dollars, with a year-on-year growth of 54.7%.

For three consecutive years, China has become Qatar's largest trading partner. The two countries have made breakthroughs in various fields including economy, trade, investment, energy, infrastructure, high-tech industries, and green initiatives. From Lusail Stadium to Hongqi automobiles, from Al Kharsaah Solar Power Plant to water-saving farms, Chinese brands and technology are flourishing throughout Qatar.

Over the past 35 years, China and Qatar have sown goodwill and reaped heartfelt relations. We have stood side by side in weal and woe in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

In recent years, an increasing number of young Qataris are learning Chinese, Doha has become a must-visit destination for Chinese tourists.

This year, the first group of Qatari youth traveled to Beijing to participate in the "Chinese Bridge" summer camp.

The first pair of giant pandas in the Middle East, "Thuraya" and "Suhail", have been in Qatar for one year, and Qatari friends held grand birthday celebrations for them.

This year, Qatar will host the Sixth China-Arab Friendship Conference, composing a new chapter of China-Arab and China-Qatar friendship.

Across our millennia-old friendship, let us join hands to open up new vistas for the future. Looking forward to the next 35 years, China and Qatar should continue to sow hope and reap the future. We should work diligently to realize the Chinese Dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and the Qatar dream of the "National Vision 2030", relentlessly promoting the great process of building a China-Qatar community with a shared future, creating a new and brighter chapter in China-Qatar relations for the next 35 years.

Beijing, 18 Oct. 2023 (Xinhua News)

Belt and Road international cooperation has gotten off the ground, grown rapidly and produced fruitful outcomes over the past 10 years, Chinese President Xi Jinping said this morning in his Key-note speech at the opening of 3rd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing today, Wednesday.

President Xi said that the cooperation has extended from the Eurasian continent to Africa and Latin America, and more than 150 countries and over 30 international organizations have signed Belt and Road cooperation documents.

He said that three sessions of the forum have been held, and over 20 specialized multilateral cooperation platforms under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) have been established.

Belt and Road cooperation has progressed from "sketching the outline" to "filling in the details," and blueprints have been turned into real projects, Xi said, noting that a large number of signature projects and "small yet smart" people-centered programs have been launched.

Chinese President Xi Jinping announced eight major steps China will take to support high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.

First, China will build a multidimensional Belt and Road connectivity network, Xi said this morning in a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF).

The country will speed up high-quality development of the China-Europe Railway Express, participate in the trans-Caspian international transportation corridor, and host the China-Europe Railway Express Cooperation Forum, the president said.

He noted that China, together with other parties, will build a new logistics corridor across the Eurasian continent linked by direct railway and road transportation.

"We will vigorously integrate ports, shipping and trading services under the 'Silk Road Maritime,' and accelerate the building of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor and the Air Silk Road," he said.

Second, China will support an open world economy, with its total trade in goods and services expected to exceed 32 trillion U.S. dollars and 5 trillion U.S. dollars respectively in the 2024-2028 period, Xi said.

He said the country will establish pilot zones for Silk Road e-commerce cooperation, and enter into free trade agreements and investment protection treaties with more countries.

The country will remove all restrictions on foreign investment access in the manufacturing sector, he said.

Efforts will be made to further advance high-standard opening up in cross-border service trade and investment, expand market access for digital and other products, and deepen reform in areas including the state-owned enterprises, digital economy, intellectual property and government procurement, the president noted.

The country will hold the Global Digital Trade Expo annually, he said.

Third, China will carry out practical cooperation for the BRI. The country will promote both signature projects and "small yet smart" livelihood programs, the president said.

He vowed more financing support for BRI projects on the basis of market and business operation, noting that the China Development Bank and the Export-Import Bank of China will each set up a 350 billion yuan (48.75 billion U.S. dollars) financing window, and that an additional 80 billion yuan will be injected into the Silk Road Fund.

China will carry out 1,000 small-scale livelihood assistance projects, and enhance vocational education cooperation through Luban Workshops and other initiatives, Xi said, adding that more efforts will be taken to ensure the safety of BRI projects and personnel.

The CEO Conference held during the forum saw the conclusion of agreements worth 97.2 billion U.S. dollars, he said.

Fourth, China will continue to promote green development. The country will further deepen cooperation in areas such as green infrastructure, green energy and green transportation, and step up support for the BRI International Green Development Coalition.

"China will continue to hold the BRI Green Innovation Conference, and establish dialogue and exchange mechanisms for the solar industry and a network of experts on green and low-carbon development," Xi said.

He added that China will implement the Green Investment Principles for the Belt and Road, and provide 100,000 training opportunities for partner countries by 2030.

Fifth, China will continue to advance scientific and technological innovation. China will continue to implement the Belt and Road Science, Technology and Innovation Cooperation Action Plan, and hold the first Belt and Road Conference on Science and Technology Exchange, noted Xi.

The country will also increase the number of joint laboratories built with other Belt and Road parties to 100 in the next five years, and support young scientists from other countries to work on short-term programs in China, he said.

China will put forward the Global Initiative for Artificial Intelligence (AI) Governance at this year's forum. "We stand ready to increase exchanges and dialogue with other countries and jointly promote the sound, orderly and secure AI development in the world," Xi said.

Sixth, China will support people-to-people exchanges. China will host the Liangzhu Forum to enhance dialogue on civilizations with BRI partner countries, the president said.

In addition to the Silk Road International League of Theaters, the Silk Road International Arts Festival, the International Alliance of Museums of the Silk Road, the Silk Road International Alliance of Art Museums, and the Silk Road International Library Alliance that have been set up, China has also launched the International Tourism Alliance of Silk Road Cities, according to Xi.

China will continue with the Chinese government scholarship Silk Road Program, he noted.

Seventh, China will promote integrity-based Belt and Road cooperation.

Together with its cooperation partners, China will release the Achievements and Prospects of Belt and Road Integrity Building and the High-Level Principles on Belt and Road Integrity Building, and establish the Integrity and Compliance Evaluation System for Companies Involved in Belt and Road Cooperation, Xi announced.

"We will also work with international organizations to carry out research and training on promoting integrity in Belt and Road cooperation," he said.

Eighth, China will strengthen the institutional building for international Belt and Road cooperation.

China will work with its BRI partner countries to strengthen the building of multilateral cooperation platforms covering energy, taxation, finance, green development, disaster reduction, anti-corruption, think tank, media, culture and other fields, Xi said.

China will continue to host the BRF and establish a secretariat for the Forum, he said.

China will work with all parties involved to usher Belt and Road cooperation into a new stage of high-quality development, and make relentless efforts to achieve modernization for all countries, Chinese President Xi Jinping said. Global modernization should be pursued to enhance peaceful development and mutually beneficial cooperation and bring prosperity to all, he added.

Xi noted that China is endeavoring to build itself into a stronger country and rejuvenate the Chinese nation on all fronts by pursuing Chinese modernization.  ' The modernization we are pursuing is not for China alone, but for all developing countries through our joint efforts', he added.

Doha, 09 Oct. 2023

QatarEnergy and Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LLC (CPChem) today announced that they have secured $4.4 billion financing for the Ras Laffan Petrochemicals project, a world scale integrated polymers complex in Ras Laffan Industrial City, Qatar.

The senior debt financing package is comprised of commercial and Islamic facilities as well as Export Credit Agency (ECA) financing.

The Ras Laffan Petrochemicals project is a joint venture between QatarEnergy (70%) and CPChem (30%) and is considered the largest petrochemical project in Qatar for which Final Investment Decision was announced in January 2023.

In remarks on this occasion, Minister of State for Energy Affairs, Qatar, President and CEO of QatarEnergy,  Sa'ad Sherida Al-Kaabi, President and CEO of QatarEnerg, said: “This over subscribed financing package is an important testament to the financial community’s confidence in Qatar and in its energy and petrochemical industries.”

Al-Kaabi added: “This large-scale cornerstone investment represents a significant achievement and a major milestone for the Ras Laffan Petrochemicals project - the largest in the Middle East and one of the largest in the world.

We are very pleased to enter this exciting stage of this project with our long-time partner Chevron Phillips Chemical.”

The complex, expected to begin production in late 2026, consists of an ethane cracker with a capacity of about 2.1 million tons of ethylene per annum. It also includes two polyethylene trains with a combined output of 1.7 million tons per annum of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) polymer products, which are used in a wide range of applications, including packaging, construction, and consumer goods.

This complex will raise Qatar’s overall petrochemical production capacity to almost 14 million tons per annum.

The project is expected to generate significant economic benefits for the country, including increased tax revenue and foreign investment.

QatarEnergy and CPChem take this opportunity to thank all the financial institutions and advisors who have participated in the financing of the Ras Laffan Petrochemicals project and look forward to further developing the relationship with the lenders in the future.