31 Jan. - 6 Feb. 2002
Issue No.571
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Al-Ahram Weekly Online 31 Jan. - 6 Feb. 2002 Issue No.571 |
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| Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875 | Current issue | Previous issue | Site map | ||
Eastern experience
In following the Prophet's advice to "seek knowledge, even as far as China," the present-day observer will find plenty to learn. In modern Chinese politics, official discourse is simple and cautious; and a successful development strategy, geared toward the specificity of the Chinese experience even as it allows for foreign investments, has been adopted. Centralised, realistic and effective governance is balanced by patience and perseverance; economic reform is implemented in an open, flexible way that utilises foreign investment, local resources and technological as well as communications advances to the best possible advantage.
The constant renovations and improvement of the infrastructure have been so successful that the 2008 Olympics will be held in Beijing. Research and human resources development are pursued intensively, while exemplary "special economic" areas like Dalian (which houses some 237 academies and colleges besides large-scale foreign companies) have been established to serve as effective powerhouses for the country.
Finally, the Chinese economy has kept up with GATT and joined the World Trade Organisation, preparing itself for effective integration within the world economy in coming years. Perhaps other parts of the East, like Egypt, will draw on their long experience and wisdom, partake successfully and appropriately of modernity and follow in the footsteps of such success.
* This week's Soapbox speaker is professor of political science at Helwan University.
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