‘Mathabana Kotelo
Maseru — China’s ambassador to Lesotho H.E HU Dingxian on Thursday announced a M170 million grant to Lesotho at a local hotel.
Hosted by the Chinese embassy in Lesotho, the event marked the celebration of the 64th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
In his opening address, Ambassador Hu Dingxian said in the 64 years since its reform, China had seen enormous socio-economic progress and fast economic development that had enabled it to contribute greatly to the world economy.
“Statistics from IMF show that China has contributed to nearly one fourth of global economic growth since the outbreak of the latest global financial crisis, providing massive opportunities for the development of other countries”, said the ambassador.
He said China has witnessed new achievements and developments this year including gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 7.6 percent in the first half of 2013 and over seven million jobs created in the urban areas.
Speaking at the same occasion on behalf of the minister of foreign affairs, minister of communication science and technology Tšeliso Mokhosi said Chinese reform had not only transformed the political map of the world but had also reshaped the landscape of humanity.
Mokhosi said the bonds of friendship between Lesotho and China had solidified and had been elevated to greater heights because of the mutual respect and solidarity between the two nations.
“Together we have reached several milestones like the Lesotho-China business forum held in April this year which saw about 100 Basotho and Chinese businessmen come together to explore business opportunities of mutual benefit”, Mokhosi said.
China has contributed significantly to Lesotho and Africa’s development in the areas of infrastructure, food donations, radio and television network expansion and educational scholarships and many others, he said.
Dingxian commended Lesotho for maintaining social stability and national unity since the coalition government came into power and wished the nation well in its pursuit of the social economic goals set out in the National Strategic Development Plan (NSDP), Vision 2020 and the Millenium Development Goal.
Prince Bereng Seeiso, Mayoress of Maseru Mofonase Hoohlo-Sakoane, Minister of Home Affairs Joang Molapo and Water Affairs Minister Timothy Thahane, among others, also attended the commemoration.
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